Integrating Gender Equality in Climate Policies

As part of my summer internship with Reimagining Society, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Bhutanese Global Wellbeing Envoys and the CEO’s office on several upcoming projects. Bhutan, known for its unique approach to development through the lens of Gross National Happiness (GNH), places well-being, sustainability, and harmony with nature at the heart of its policies. This context set the stage for my contribution to one of the key initiatives, in collaboration with the Centre for Bhutan Studies (GNH Center), which focused on integrating gender equality into Bhutan’s climate risk management and reduction policies.

Crafting Engagement Strategies with the GNH Lens

The first step in my work was understanding the philosophy that underpins Bhutan’s policy framework. Gross National Happiness, with its pillars of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and equitable socio-economic development, naturally provided a foundation for discussions about gender equality and climate action. My role was to assist the Global Wellbeing Envoys in designing strategies that would engage various stakeholders, ensuring that gender considerations were central to the upcoming climate projects.

This work was not just about ticking boxes—it was about embedding gender equality into the very fabric of Bhutan's climate policies. Rural women in Bhutan, who are often most affected by climate change, are also the most underrepresented in decision-making processes. My task was to help identify how the government could elevate these voices, bringing their insights and perspectives into the national climate agenda. One of the strategies we proposed was creating platforms for local women leaders to engage with policymakers, facilitating a two-way exchange of ideas on topics such as disaster risk reduction, water management, and agricultural resilience.

Identifying Gaps in Existing Policies

A significant part of my contribution involved conducting an analysis of Bhutan’s existing climate risk management policies. This analysis aimed to identify areas where gender considerations had been overlooked. While Bhutan has made commendable strides in sustainable development, I found that many of its climate policies were designed with a gender-neutral approach. On the surface, this may seem inclusive, but in practice, it often leads to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women being ignored.

For example, water management policies in Bhutan’s rural areas lacked a focus on how water shortages specifically impact women, who are primarily responsible for water collection and use. Many women in rural regions reported spending more time walking longer distances to access water sources, as wells and rivers dried up. The policies in place did not account for the additional burden this placed on women, nor did they address how climate change was exacerbating these challenges.

Another key issue was disaster preparedness. Bhutan, like many Himalayan countries, faces increasing risks from climate-induced natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Despite women often bearing the brunt of these disasters and managing household recovery efforts, they were underrepresented in disaster preparedness planning. Existing national policies were reactive, focusing primarily on infrastructure damage and economic loss, without addressing the disproportionate impacts on women’s livelihoods and well-being.

Gender Mainstreaming in Climate Policy

The task of integrating gender perspectives into Bhutan’s climate policies required a holistic approach. Working with the GNH Center, we began identifying opportunities for gender mainstreaming—ensuring that gender perspectives were incorporated at every stage of policy development, from problem analysis to implementation and evaluation.

We proposed several strategies to address the gaps I identified. One of the most promising was the establishment of Women’s Climate Councils, particularly in rural areas. These councils would provide a formal platform for women to discuss their experiences, share indigenous knowledge about sustainable practices, and participate directly in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation. This would ensure that women’s unique vulnerabilities and strengths were recognized and acted upon.

Another crucial opportunity was in training and capacity-building. While many Bhutanese women are involved in agriculture, they often lack access to the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to climate variability. We proposed a series of gender-sensitive training programs on climate-resilient farming techniques, water management strategies, and disaster preparedness. These programs would empower women with the skills they need to cope with climate risks while positioning them as leaders in their communities, capable of driving climate action from the ground up.

Bridging Traditional and Modern Perspectives

One of the most nuanced aspects of this work was finding ways to bridge Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions with modern gender and climate policies. Bhutanese society is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, and any attempt to introduce new ideas had to respect and align with these values. Through our collaboration, we engaged in meaningful discussions with local community leaders, many of whom emphasized the importance of family and tradition in their daily lives.

The challenge, then, was to integrate modern gender equality principles without disrupting Bhutan’s cultural values. For example, many traditional Bhutanese households are matrilineal, meaning that women often inherit family property. This cultural norm provided a natural point of entry for gender mainstreaming in policies related to land use and agricultural practices. By aligning gender equality with these traditional values, we were able to frame gender-sensitive climate policies in a way that resonated with local communities and policymakers alike.

A Vision for the Future

This experience underscored the importance of gender-sensitive climate policies that consider the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of women, particularly in rural areas. The strategies we developed were designed not just to fill policy gaps but to fundamentally shift how gender and climate are viewed in Bhutan. Our aim was to move beyond a gender-neutral approach to one that actively recognizes and uplifts women’s roles in climate resilience.

Looking ahead, Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness provides fertile ground for innovative, inclusive policies that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social equity. The work we did with the GNH Center is just the beginning of a larger movement to ensure that women are at the heart of Bhutan’s climate response.

The lessons learned from this experience will stay with me as I continue my journey in public policy. Bhutan’s model of development, with its focus on well-being and sustainability, offers a powerful example for the rest of the world. Its efforts to integrate gender equality into climate policy provide a roadmap for how we can create a more inclusive, resilient future for all.