Understanding Women’s Climate Vulnerabilities– Insights from Our Survey

As part of my internship with Reimagining Society, I had the opportunity to engage in a research project that focused on the vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of rural women in Bhutan. Conducting mixed-method research, which included focus group discussions and targeted household surveys with 60 women in remote communities, allowed us to gain a deep understanding of how these women are uniquely impacted by climate change. This project wasn’t just about data collection—it was about understanding the lived experiences of women and translating those insights into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Assessing Women's Climate Vulnerabilities

In Bhutan, rural women play an essential role in agriculture and household management, making them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The survey we conducted aimed to assess how women perceive and respond to these challenges. The emphasis was on understanding women’s roles in their communities, their access to resources, decision-making power, and the barriers they face in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Through our focus group discussions, it became clear that climate vulnerabilities are experienced differently by women due to their societal roles and responsibilities. For instance, women are primarily responsible for water collection and crop cultivation in many rural households. When climate change disrupts these activities—whether through prolonged droughts, flash floods, or unpredictable weather patterns—the burden falls disproportionately on women. They not only face the physical challenge of securing water and food for their families but also bear the emotional and mental toll of ensuring their households remain stable amidst environmental stress.

Mixed-Method Research Approach: Focus Groups and Surveys

Our approach to gathering data was intentionally inclusive and participatory. The focus group discussions served as a platform for women to share their stories, concerns, and ideas in a supportive environment. These discussions were instrumental in helping us understand how women perceive the changing climate, their adaptation strategies, and their resource constraints.

The women I met during these discussions were remarkably resilient, yet they highlighted a number of challenges. Access to information about climate adaptation was limited, and many women reported feeling powerless to address the issues they faced. Despite their central role in agriculture and household management, their participation in decision-making processes—both at home and in the community—was often constrained by traditional gender roles. This lack of decision-making power hindered their ability to implement more effective adaptation strategies.

Following the focus group discussions, we conducted household surveys to delve deeper into specific data points. The survey questions were designed to capture a range of factors influencing women’s climate vulnerabilities, such as:

• Income: We looked at how financial stability (or lack thereof) influences women’s ability to adapt to climate risks. Women from lower-income households reported being particularly vulnerable, as they lacked the resources needed to invest in climate-resilient practices, such as improved irrigation or drought-resistant seeds.
• Education: Our survey showed a clear correlation between education levels and climate adaptation. Women with higher levels of education were more likely to understand the risks posed by climate change and had a greater capacity to implement adaptation strategies. However, access to education remained limited in many rural areas, particularly for women, creating a barrier to effective climate adaptation.
• Access to Resources: The survey revealed stark disparities in women’s access to essential resources, such as land, water, and credit. Women often did not own land, even though they worked it daily. This lack of ownership restricted their ability to make long-term investments in sustainable farming practices. Similarly, access to credit was limited, making it difficult for women to purchase tools or resources that could help mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Decision-Making Power: One of the most revealing findings of our research was the limited decision-making power women held within their households and communities. In many cases, women were excluded from discussions about climate adaptation strategies, even though they bore the brunt of the impacts. This lack of representation meant that women’s insights and needs were not being adequately addressed in local or national climate policies.
• Vulnerabilities to Disasters: Women’s specific vulnerabilities to climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts were a significant focus of our research. Many women shared stories of how extreme weather events had destroyed their crops, damaged their homes, or displaced their families. The lack of early warning systems and disaster preparedness training exacerbated these challenges, leaving many women and their families unprepared for future climate shocks.
• Social Networks and Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and traditions in rural Bhutan often dictated how women could engage with climate adaptation efforts. While some women benefited from strong social networks that provided mutual support, others were constrained by cultural barriers that limited their mobility or decision-making autonomy. For example, women’s roles as caregivers often prevented them from attending community meetings or training sessions on climate adaptation, further marginalizing their ability to participate in climate action.

Data Insights and Implications for Policy

The survey data provided valuable insights into the specific climate vulnerabilities faced by women in rural Bhutan. By analyzing the relationships between factors like income, education, and decision-making power, we were able to paint a detailed picture of the barriers women face and the opportunities for intervention.

For instance, the survey revealed that women who had access to both education and social networks were better equipped to adapt to climate risks. These women were more likely to adopt innovative farming practices, access financial resources, and participate in community decision-making processes. In contrast, women with limited access to these resources remained trapped in cycles of poverty and vulnerability, unable to invest in long-term climate resilience.

These findings underscored the need for gender-sensitive policies that address the unique challenges women face in adapting to climate change. For example, improving women’s access to education and land ownership could significantly enhance their ability to respond to climate risks. Additionally, creating inclusive platforms for women to participate in decision-making processes—both at the community and national levels—would ensure that their voices are heard and that their adaptation needs are met.

A Path Forward

The mixed-method research we conducted in Bhutan was more than just an academic exercise—it was an opportunity to understand how climate change intersects with gender inequality on a practical, human level. The stories, insights, and data we gathered from these 60 women provided a compelling case for why gender-sensitive climate policies are essential for building climate resilience in Bhutan.

Moving forward, we aim to use this research to inform policymakers and organizations working on climate adaptation in Bhutan. By presenting the findings from our focus groups and surveys, we hope to catalyze action that empowers women to become active participants in climate solutions. Whether through improved access to resources, education, or decision-making platforms, the path to climate resilience in Bhutan must include the voices and experiences of rural women.

This survey was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive, participatory research in shaping effective policies. As I reflect on the project, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that the data we collected is used to drive meaningful change—change that will improve the lives of the women who generously shared their stories with us, and the many more who are navigating the complex challenges of climate change.