Integrating Gender Aspects into Future Adaptation Assessment of the Adaptation Gap Report
It is important to note that climate change impacts are not gender neutral as they tend to worsen the already existing gender inequities, hence the importance of addressing gender issues in Adaptation Gap Reports. There is need to look at the impact of the different groups in terms of gender and age and what their needs are and how to respond to these needs effectively as they respond differently to climate change. There is realized progress in issues gender in the Adaptation Gap Report. However, there is need to ensure that gender issues are addressed in the national level adaptation plans that should trickle down to the local levels. There is also need to designate gender and climate change focal points in national adaptation so as to have reasonable partnership at focal point level.
A robust gender-related evidence base is needed to inform the adaptation assessment. It is also important to involve gender experts from the onset and ensure that they work hand in hand to compile the information and conduct the adaptation assessment and work across all the chapters of the Report should include a gender component. Specific assessment tools in measuring progress in gender are needed and gender experts should be involved in the development of an assessment framework to allow assessment of progress in terms of gender and adaptation.
Gender-responsive adaptation is smart economics as studies have shown extensively that investing in women gives better economic returns and is more likely to achieve objectives and yield positive results. As we continue to recover and build back post pandemic, it's important to ensure gender issues are addressed.
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