Drought affects women and men differently, with women generally experiencing more severe impacts mostly due to reduced access to land and water resources, gender roles, social norms and practices. As climate impacts intensify, recognizing the unique roles and knowledge of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups, becomes essential.

Effective drought management needs to recognize the various identities (intersectionality) of people (women and men, boys and girls including persons with disabilities, youth, older people and other vulnerable populations) so that no one is left behind.

The report “Mainstreaming gender in national drought plans, national action plans and national policies” highlights critical strategies that can be applied to ensure gender equality and social inclusion to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of drought-related interventions. The e-learning course “Integrating gender equality and social inclusion in national drought management planning" complements the report and is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) approach into drought management.

Both the report and the e-learning course are the joint effort of FAO, the Global Water Partnership and its regional offices of Central and Eastern Europe (GWPCEE) and Southern Africa (GWPSA), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These knowledge products are part of the “Enabling Activities for Implementing UNCCD COP Drought Decisions” project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and other partners.

Download the new FAO report “Mainstreaming gender in national drought plans, national action plans and national policies” here >>>

Explore the e-learning course “Integrating gender equality and social inclusion in national drought management planning" here >>>