Time to act on gender, climate change and disaster risk reduction: an overview of progress in the Pacific region with evidence from the Republic of Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa

This study aims to enrich the understanding and knowledge of the interface between gender equality, climate change and disasters in the Pacific region. This overview report presents evidence from the current literature and from primary data collection on the gender dimensions of climate change and disasters in the Pacific region. It analyses existing efforts to address gender equality in climate change and disasters in the Pacific and makes evidence-based recommendations for policy and programming. It includes three case study locations: The Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu.

The report presents an analytical framework to explore and interpret evidence on the status of policy; institutional arrangements implementation and practice; advocacy, knowledge generation; and women's participation in efforts to incorporate gender equality into climate change action and DRR.

The findings of this study reveal that gender equality in relation to climate change and DRR is recognised in theory to some extent, but rarely in practice. While some positive examples indicate that change is possible, substantial efforts are needed across the Pacific region to fully achieve gender equality and women·s empowerment in climate change and DRR action. The Pacific region needs to meet its promise on gender equality to guarantee a climate and disaster resilient future for all. This means moving beyond the mere mention of gender and towards real commitment and action.