An Intersectional Analysis of Gender Equality and Climate Change Vulnerabilities Capacities and Policy Gaps in Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

Gender disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa heighten the vulnerability of women and marginalized groups to climate variation because they rely on climate-sensitive livelihoods. However, systemic barriers and entrenched norms hinder their roles in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This scoping review paper explored how gender disparities intersect with climate change by examining vulnerabilities, the capacity of marginalized genders for adaptation and mitigation, and policy gaps hindering gender-responsive climate action in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper methodically mapped studies on gender equality and climate change using the PRISMA-SCR methodological framework. The paper analyzed 25 peer-reviewed articles (2016–2024) to explore intersections between gender disparities, climate impacts, and policies. Key findings indicate that compared to men, women experience heightened vulnerabilities …