(Report in English only)

Overview 

This report was developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia Center, commissioned by CARE France under its collaboration with Fondation L’Oréal, as part of the She Grows the Future program. The initiative supports women working in agriculture in Ecuador, India, Madagascar, and Vietnam, with the goal of strengthening their voice in community life while improving access to climate-resilient farming practices. 

The report aims to explore how individuals of different backgrounds, especially those who are often left out of decision-making can take part meaningfully in local responses to climate challenges. To achieve this, the research draws from global and country-level analysis and includes a focused case study in Lai Chau province, Vietnam. The team combined desk research with in-depth interviews and group discussions involving 113 participants at different levels, from national to local. 

Findings from the study reveal that while women often attend meetings about local development and climate issues, they rarely feel confident or supported to speak up or influence decisions. This is especially true for ethnic minority women in remote areas who face language barriers, limited access to education, and demanding caregiving roles at home. These issues are not unique to Vietnam; the same patterns are visible in other countries in the study. 

The report emphasizes that improving participation is not just about increasing attendance or offering training. It also requires changes in community attitudes, greater support for caregiving responsibilities, and stronger policies that include different voices in decision-making processes. 

 

Key findings 

  • Representation does not equal influence: many groups remain unheard even when present. 
  • Structural and attitudinal barriers, such as social expectations and decision-making hierarchies limit meaningful participation. 
  • Support programs often focus too narrowly on building individual capacity, ignoring systemic norms. 
  • Discriminatory beliefs about women’s leadership continue to undermine inclusive governance. 
  • Local adaptation plans often lack input from those most affected by climate impacts. 
  • Safe spaces and collective organizing are essential to amplify marginalized voices. 

 

Inequalities faced by women and girls and climate change are deeply interconnected challenges. As we face the realities of a warming planet, seen in 2023’s extreme weather events – the underrepresentation of people most affected in decision-making spaces weakens our collective response. 

This report explores shared barriers to equitable climate governance across five countries and emphasizes that addressing attitudes, social expectations, and structural barriers is essential. Investing in individuals is important, but lasting change comes from transforming systems. 

The findings offer direction for decision-makers: make climate processes inclusive, tackle harmful social norms, and center lived experience in policy design. Empowering underrepresented communities is essential for a resilient future.