1325 at the Grassroots: Women’s Responses Facing Climate Insecurity (2023-2026)
As rural communities worldwide increasingly grapple with the compounding challenges of insecurity and climate change, this research project focuses on the complex intersection of gender, climate change, and insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The study investigates how women in rural communities, impacted by both climate change and insecurity, respond to these pressures, and how their actions influence evolving gender roles within their communities.This project introduces a novel approach by moving beyond the traditional focus on the "impacts on" women to explore their active agency—how they respond to and navigate the challenges they face. By centering on women’s agency, the research makes a significant contribution to FBA’s work in the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and provides valuable insights to inform work under Sweden's Strategy for Development Cooperation with the DRC.
Approved in 2023, this multi-year qualitative research initiative is set to conclude in 2026 and involves in-depth fieldwork within affected communities. The core research team includes prominent local scholars, such as Dr. Marie-Rose Bashwira, Professor at Université Catholique de Bukavu, and Ali Bitenga, PhD Candidate at Université Catholique de Louvain. The project is led by Dr. Johanna Malm, Head of Research at FBA.
Initial findings from the first two rounds of fieldwork suggest that climate insecurity and shifting gender roles do not only affect women; they also have significant implications for men and intergenerational dynamics. Thus, to fully understand the diverse responses and their impacts, it is essential to consider both masculinity and intergenerational perspectives. The research results will be presented in an FBA report, with a final workshop to validate the findings in the affected communities scheduled for 2026.
The research team
Johanna Malm, Head of Research at FBA
Marie-Rose Bashwira, Professor at Université Catholique de Bukavu
Ali Bitenga, PhD Candidate at Université Catholique de Louvain
The Gender-responsive leader's handbook
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