Malawi

In adaptation measures, gender is identified as a priority thematic area. It states: It is worth noting that gender is a cross-cutting issue. Hence, it needs to be mainstreamed in all the sectors. Vulnerable and disadvantaged groups carry the burden of the impacts of climate change. Women and girls are particularly impacted, as they have to walk further in search of basic commodities for the family such as firewood and water. Yet, women may not have the authority to decide on alternative and climate-resilient solutions for the household. The adaptation interventions proposed in this NDC are meant to enhance gender inclusiveness in the adaptation programmes and projects. Under ‘other implementation considerations’ there is the following point on ‘Human rights and gender’: Vulnerability and adaptation assessments have shown that most of Malawi's social economic sectors are prone to negative impacts of climate change. Through this NDC, Malawi has expressed the need for external support in the implementation of adaptation policy actions that will reduce the vulnerability of the sectors and enhance people's resilience to the negative impacts of climate change. Human rights and gender issues are enshrined in the Malawi Constitution, and Government of Malawi is committed to its Gender Policy, promoting the mainstreaming of gender in all government sectors, programmes and projects. Consideration of these cross-cutting issues is critical in the design and implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions.