There is growing awareness in Southeast Asia about the significance of gender norms and roles in climate resilience. The expectations on, and responsibilities of, men and women differ due to differences in physical characteristics, and local physical, cultural and socio-economic conditions. In this study, it is found that Hue has its own special social and environmental identity that significantly influences its resilience to climate change. Gender roles are particularly important in relation to building that resilience. Women are perceived to make a more significant contribution to human well-being, accruing funds and offering mutual support at household and community level, while men are held responsible for safety, security and other continuity plans in communities. Challenging and changing these gender-based expectations will improve the capacity of both men and women to respond effectively to climate change.
Policy pointers:
- men and women at a grassroots level have different vulnerabilities and contribute differently to building climate resilience in Hue
- women play key roles in sustainingand enhancing the health and well-being of people within their community, and accruing funds for households, and communities. Women also organise mutual support for each other during times of disruption.
- men are more active in activities relating to safety, security and other continuity plans for communities. Men are also more likely to hold management roles
- to enhance the resilience of the people living in Hue, there are significant opportunities to challenge gender-based conceptions of capacity and responsibility, and to improve the gender sensitivity of decision-making processes and forums