Climate change is not gender-neutral. In Central Asia, its impacts on water availability, agriculture, health, and livelihoods often disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups, while at the same time limiting their opportunities to participate in decision-making. Structural inequalities, such as unequal access to land, financial resources, and education, amplify these risks, leaving many women with fewer adaptive options in the face of increasing climate variability. Yet women and youth are also important agents of change, bringing unique knowledge, leadership, and capacities that can significantly strengthen resilience at community, national, and regional levels.
This session, hosted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), will examine the intersection of gender and climate change in the Central Asian context. Presentations will share research and case studies on gendered vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, and examples of inclusive practices from across the region. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating gender perspectives into Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), recognizing that water is a critical nexus where climate, social equity, and development goals intersect.
In addition, the session will explore policy and institutional approaches for embedding gender-sensitive strategies into national climate agendas, climate finance mechanisms, and regional cooperation frameworks. It will highlight practical pathways to increase women’s participation in climate governance, strengthen their leadership in resilience-building initiatives, and ensure that climate solutions are both effective and equitable.
By convening researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the session aims to create a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange that underscores the importance of mainstreaming gender in climate action. The outcome will be to demonstrate why gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a prerequisite for achieving sustainable and impactful climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in Central Asia.