Bridging Gender Gaps through Sensitisation: Addressing Climate Change in Indian Agriculture

Abstract

Gender sensitisation is defined as the process of changing the stereotype rational mindset of men & women- it is basically a mindset which perceives that men and women are “unequal entities”. Gender, which is defined as a social construct, showcases the social dynamics & relational aspects between men and women, which leads to several differential positions and importance in society. Gender sensitisation serves as a transformative tool to reshape entrenched societal norms that define and perpetuate gender inequalities, particularly within the agrarian and climate-vulnerable landscape of India. This study aims to bridge the gender gaps via gender sensitisation towards climate change in Indian agriculture. In India, where atmospheric aberrations are occurring rapidly, climate change poses a risk of exacerbating existing health inequalities based on gender. The review focuses on literature published between 2008 to July, 2025. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple academic databases, including Google Scholar, Consensus, ResearchGate, etc. This methodology ensures that the review is both rigorous and reflective, capturing the depth and breadth of research on gender and climate change, while also identifying avenues for future investigation and intervention. Incorporating a gender-focused approach into current climate, development, and disaster-risk reduction policies can help mitigate adverse health impacts. Addressing climate risks necessitates coordination across various sectors, enhancements in data collection, tracking of gender-specific objectives, and fair involvement of all stakeholders. Despite women comprising a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce, their participation is often undermined by systemic gender biases, limited access to resources, exclusion, and information asymmetry. This review paper explores how gender sensitisation intersects with climate change challenges, highlighting the disproportionate impacts on women and the urgent need to integrate gender perspectives into policy-making, adaptation strategies, and community engagement. Through a critical analysis of secondary literature and case studies, the study reveals that climate-smart, gender-inclusive interventions—such as access to technology, land ownership rights, and capacity-building—can empower women, enhance farm sustainability, and foster climate resilience. It underscores the importance of gender-responsive policies that prioritise inclusivity, equity, and active female participation across all levels—from grassroots to governance. Ultimately, gender sensitisation emerges not just as a corrective measure, but as a catalyst for sustainable development and climate justice. Future frameworks must prioritise gender-disaggregated data, grassroots participation, and intersectoral coordination to bridge the gender gap in climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability.