Climate change poses significant risks in the Philippines, where frequent typhoons, floods, and storms disrupt livelihoods and communities, particularly affecting women and other vulnerable groups.
In support of the Global Shield in-country process, the Centre of Excellence on Gender-Smart Solutions engaged Oxford Policy Management to conduct this gender analysis, which explores how Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) can strengthen resilience by addressing gender-specific challenges and offering practical recommendations.
Based on research and stakeholder consultations, the study identifies persistent barriers, including limited access to financial and insurance services, gaps in digital access and awareness, unequal decision-making power, and insufficient gender-disaggregated data. These challenges limit women’s ability to use risk financing tools and reduce the effectiveness of existing CDRFI programmes, particularly for women working in informal sectors and small businesses.
The report offers actionable recommendations to address these gaps, such as designing gender-responsive insurance products, enhancing financial literacy and outreach, improving data systems, and strengthening coordination across national and local institutions. By integrating gender-responsive approaches, the Philippines can ensure that climate resilience efforts are inclusive, practical, and effective in protecting those most at risk from climate shocks.
This review focuses on how gender is incorporated into CDRFI policies and programmes in the Philippines, with particular attention to women, while also acknowledging broader social inclusion challenges faced by other vulnerable groups exposed to climate-related disasters.
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