The Gender Dimension of Vulnerability to Climatic Shocks in Low Income Country

Abstract

Gender mainstreaming within policies and programs has remained a big priority among government and non-governmental organizations. In all societies, in all parts of the world, gender equality is not yet realized. Men and women have different roles, responsibilities and decision-making powers. Many people, however, find it difficult to understand in what way gender might be a factor in climate change (CC) or how it should be addressed. The prevailing gender power differences in terms of command over different capital endowments have significant impact on being disproportionately vulnerable to climate variability and its negative consequences. This article attempts to uncover the gender difference in vulnerability to the occurrences of climatic extremes with a survey of 452 households conducted in the central part of Ethiopia and time series data of climate variability and its impacts on livelihood. Trend analysis and statistical measurements were used to analyze the data. The study found out that there is a gendered vulnerability. Therefore, there is a need for gendered intervention in terms of policies and actions to reduce women’s vulnerability and build their resilience.