Women Leading the Way: Female-Led Adaptation Initiatives in Western Himalayas
摘要
The escalating impacts of climate changeClimate change have intensified vulnerabilitiesVulnerability across many regions of the Global SouthGlobal south, necessitating innovative and inclusive adaptationAdaptation strategies. Among these, genderGender-transformative approaches have gained prominence, recognizing that climate impacts are not genderGender-neutral and that effective adaptationAdaptation must address the distinct needs and roles of different gendersGender. In the Mandi, and Lahaul Spiti regions of Himachal PradeshHimachal Pradesh, IndiaIndia, the consequences of climate changeClimate change, particularly the frequent flash floods and waterWater scarcity have vividly aggravated the intersection of genderGender and environmental vulnerabilityVulnerability. These floods and droughts have led to both economic and non-economic losses, severely disrupting local livelihoods and prompting male out-migrationMigration in search of alternative income sources. This migrationMigration has imposed a dual burden on womenWomen, who are left to manage household responsibilities while sustaining agricultural activities, tasks traditionally dominated by men. This chapter highlights the impacts of climate changeClimate change-induced floods and droughts on womenWomen and then takes different case studies into consideration which are initiated by womenWomen residing in the region to combat climate changeClimate change-induced disasters at the community level. By adopting and promoting natural farming practices, these womenWomen are at the forefront of a movement that aligns with global efforts to combat climate changeClimate change and ensure sustainable food systems for future generations. Their leadership showcases the potential for community-driven, genderGender-inclusive approaches to foster lasting environmental and social change.