Gendering water and climate science research in South Asia

South Asia is home to some of the most sensitive socioecological systems in the world, and there is a need for ongoing research in climate change and widespread water insecurity. Social and gendered research is important yet largely absent from climate and water research in the region. Moreover, gender-inclusive participation in science education is a challenge in South Asia, particularly in planetary sciences and engineering. There is a gap in understanding the impact of pedagogy, institutional, and market factors in furthering or constraining interdisciplinary and gendered research and practice in the region.

The aim of this project is to understand how such shortcomings affect gender analysis in water and climate science, and whether more gender inclusivity improves gender analysis and high-quality research. It aims to improve tools and methods for postgraduate training and research and strengthen a network for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and mentorship for interdisciplinary research. It will focus on Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

This project is part of a cohort of seven projects that were selected following the call for proposals to the Gender in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (GIST) Research Initiative. The aim of the cohort is to increase the contribution of science to gender equality. It seeks to advance women’s leadership and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to increase gender analysis in STEM research.