Women as Central Actors in Climate Change Resilience

Roles in Agriculture, Food Security, Environment, and Disaster Preparedness

Abstract

This article explores the pivotal role of women in advancing climate change resilience across key sectors, focusing on agriculture, food security, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness. Drawing on case studies and empirical evidence from diverse global contexts, including South Sudan, we examine how women lead and contribute to climate adaptation efforts through their distinct knowledge systems, skills, and lived experiences, often undervalued in mainstream climate discourse. Our findings demonstrate that women’s active participation in decision-making and their empowerment in resource governance significantly enhance community resilience to climate shocks. The research underscores women’s contributions in sustainable agricultural practices, innovative food security solutions, ecosystem stewardship, and disaster risk reduction strategies. Yet, persistent structural barriers, such as gender-based discrimination, restricted access to resources, and exclusion from leadership, continue to limit their full engagement. We argue that centering women as agents of change is essential for crafting climate responses that are effective, equitable, and sustainable. Based on these insights, we offer policy recommendations to strengthen women’s agency in climate resilience frameworks, including increased investment in women-led initiatives, integration of gender-responsive approaches in climate policy, and the systematic collection of gender-disaggregated data. The study concludes by affirming the urgency of embedding gender equity at the heart of climate policy and action.