Brief: Gender-Responsive Action for Women's Food Security and Nutrition in Asia and the Pacific
Publisher: UN Women Asia and the Pacific
Author(s): UN Women Asia and the Pacific
Date: 2026
Topics: Climate Change, Gender, Land, Livelihoods
In 2018, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recognized the impacts of climate change in undermining food security for women, noting that the effects of food, land and water insecurity are not gender-neutral. Women are more likely to experience undernourishment and malnutrition in times of scarcity and, as those primarily responsible for growing, gathering and preparing food, and for collecting fuel and water in many societies, they are disproportionately affected by shortages of safe, affordable and accessible drinking water and fuel. The additional responsibility placed on women and girls by such climate-related resource scarcity consumes time, causes physical hardship, heightens exposure to violence and increases stress.
This research brief contextualizes and supports the implementation of resolutions and guidelines in Asia and the Pacific by examining gender equality, food security and nutrition through regional perspectives. It provides actionable recommendations with a particular focus on the humanitarian–development nexus.