Gender and Climate Change

This training, supported by the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training (GEST) Programme under the University of Iceland, builds on a productive collaboration between LUANAR and GRÓ GEST that began in 2021, and continues the mission of enhancing gender-responsive climate action in Malawi. 

The Chikwawa training targeted key district stakeholders, aiming to establish a strong link between gender and climate change in policy and practice. The short course participants represented various sectors—including education, agriculture, health, fisheries, forestry, and civil society, including representatives from district councils, Agriculture Extension Development Coordinators, lead farmers, private sector actors, and the media. During the training, LUANAR’s Senior Lecturer, Dr. Harold Chisale, highlighted the critical need for gender inclusion in addressing climate change challenges. He noted that many interventions in Malawi have not been gender-responsive, underscoring the importance of equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate gender considerations into climate action. Given Chikwawa’s vulnerability to climate hazards such as floods, rainstorms, and prolonged dry spells, the district was identified as a particularly relevant site for this training.

In addition to imparting knowledge, the training was designed to be participatory, ensuring that the stakeholders could develop actionable plans for the district. These plans aim to promote sustainable and gender-responsive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, addressing the unique challenges faced by women, men, and youth in Chikwawa. Chikwawa District Commissioner’s representative, Greystone Alindiamao, expressed confidence that the training would have a lasting impact on the district. He emphasized the importance of disseminating the knowledge gained to benefit the wider community and effectively mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.