Enhancing women-focused investments in climate and disaster resilience

As climate and disaster risks increase, they affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, especially the marginalized. For various interrelating factors, women are more vulnerable to the
impact of disasters and climate change. Women are often poorer than their male counterparts and have lower levels of economic participation. In Asia, women account for two thirds of the poor and 80% of all people living on under $2 per day (UN Women 2018). Women’s economic activity is highly concentrated in agriculture, the sector highly vulnerable to the impacts of disasters
and climate change. On the other hand, evidence shows that women lead resilience strategies that deal with disaster- and climate-related shocks and stresses, especially at the local level. In many cases, women exhibit leadership as beneficiaries of government’s propoor development programs; and as active members of community-based organizations working closely with local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to address adaptation efforts.