Climate change adaptation law and policy in Benin: Towards gender-equitable climate action

This article examines the integration of gender into climate change adaptation law and policy to identify pathways for achieving gender equality and equity in adaptation action. Climate change impacts all population groups, but its adverse effects affect people differently based on their context, with vulnerable populations such as women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly facing specific risks and greater burdens. Women are often more dependent on natural resources but have less access and disproportionately bear responsibility for securing food, water and fuel. Employing a doctrinal method involving a critical review of Benin’s international commitments and key climate-related legal and policy texts, the article reveals that national adaptation plans, policies and strategies insufficiently incorporate gender considerations, leading to the implementation of gender-blind adaptation policies and practices. It highlights a significant gap between Benin’s international and regional human rights obligations and its domestic climate change adaptation framework. This neglect stems from institutional barriers, limited awareness of gender-related climate change issues, and a lack of prioritisation of women’s roles and contributions. The article argues for developing guidance for gender-sensitive vulnerability assessment, establishing robust monitoring systems with gender-responsive indicators, disaggregated data, and allocating dedicated financial resources for gender-specific actions in Benin.