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“When women lead, climate resilience increases.”
This is not just a slogan; it is a finding supported by a 2023 FAO-UN Women report, which shows that climate programs involving active participation from women’s collectives are up to 20% more likely to have a lasting impact in areas such as adaptation, access to clean energy, and resilience building.
Women play a vital role in food production, water management, and disaster response, yet they and their networks are woefully under-represented in climate planning, finance, and policymaking.
In India and Asia, women’s collectives and networks can be powerful drivers of the climate and energy transition. With women comprising more than half the population and serving as key stewards of natural resources, especially in agriculture, water management, and rural livelihoods, their voices must be included in climate policy, technology, and energy decision-making.
Failing to amplify their representation is not merely a question of equity; it directly hampers the effectiveness and urgency of our climate response. To build a sustainable future, we must prioritise the inclusion of women and tap into their invaluable insights and expertise.
Why Women’s Networks Matter in Climate Action
Women in South Asia, particularly rural India, are among the most affected by climate change (facing water scarcity, crop loss, migration, and health risks) and the least represented in policy-making and finance. Nearly 70% of agricultural labor in India is done by women, yet their voices are nearly absent in climate negotiations and energy transition planning.
Women’s collectives, such as self-help groups (SHGs), farming cooperatives, or grassroots networks, are effectively fostering adaptation and resilience.
India’s policy ecosystem is catching up with grassroots momentum. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and most State Action Plans (SAPCCs) now include gender components. However, implementation remains weak.
Major institutional enablers:
Embed Women’s Leadership Across Climate Efforts
Women’s networks aren’t optional stakeholders. They are critical engines of climate adaptation, community transition, and nature-based resilience. Studies show that women-led programs are more inclusive, locally grounded, and effective in achieving outcomes.
“Women must be at the core of climate action—not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.”
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