Sustainable Development Investment Portfolio (SDIP)- River Basins Programme, ICIMOD; Bridging Gender Gap - Bringing Equality

Gender disparities in societies of Koshi and Indus River Basin multiply waterfood- energy insecurities emerging from socioeconomic and climatic stressors in these areas. Decline in crop productivity and farming failure due to variability in precipitation and changes in temperature have challenged livelihoods of agrarian communities, forcing one or two family members to leave villages to seek alternative income. In many parts of the basin, these trends have particular effects on women. Gender disparities in literacy, life expectancy, marital age and other well-being related indicators show women as more vulnerable to climatic and socioeconomic stressors. Thus, it is urgent to work towards achieving higher gender equality.