Fostering inclusive climate governance in the Global South: gender-responsive adaptation in coastal communities

Purpose The study examines women’s participation in local climate initiatives by looking at institutional, socio-cultural, and environmental drivers and barriers. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. Findings Findings reveal that women are not only active environmental stewards but also leaders in grassroots climate initiatives. However, their engagement is shaped by persistent challenges, including limited institutional support, financial constraints, climate-induced damage to reforestation sites, and entrenched gender norms. Research limitations/implications The geographic focus on selected municipalities in Iloilo Province, Philippines, limits the generalizability of findings to other regions with different socio-environmental contexts. While the qualitative approach provided rich insights, the small sample size and reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias and limit broader applicability. Practical implications The findings of this study underscore the need for local governments and development actors to foster gender-responsive approaches in climate adaptation. Strengthening municipal institutional capacity, ensuring the integration of women’s roles in formal decision-making, and providing sustained financial and technical support for women-led initiatives are essential steps toward more inclusive climate governance. Social implications This study highlights the critical role women play in fostering community resilience through climate change adaptation, particularly in marginalized coastal areas. Originality/value By centering women’s roles in community-based adaptation, this study contributes to a growing body of knowledge on inclusive climate governance in the Global South. It underscores the need to integrate gender equity into local and national adaptation policies to ensure that climate strategies are both effective and socially just by advancing the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) in vulnerable coastal regions.