“State of Gender Equality and Climate Change in South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) Region” report was released by the ICIMOD (The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development).
It assessed the state of gender equality and climate change in climate-affected sectors like agriculture, water and energy.
It focused on 10 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
These countries’ national policy recognize that women are more vulnerable to climate change.
China, India, Nepal and Pakistan are witnessing climate change-induced migrations of men.
There are no regional and national policies to protect these women agriculture labourers.
The policy documents of governments in South Asia and HKH regions do not focus on the gender-based pay gap.
The report highlighted that India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to manage climate change recognised the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
It recommends monitoring and evaluating interventions in the agriculture, energy and water sector to make policies more gender-inclusive.