An intersectional lens on gendered climate vulnerability: how women experience climate change in Kathmandu’s informal settlement Thapathali

Abstract

This thesis examines how gender and intersecting social inequalities influence climate vulnerability in Thapathali, an informal settlement in Kathmandu. Using feminist political ecology and intersectionality, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, including interviews and surveys, to analyze the different ways men and women experience climate hazards. The findings show that women face greater vulnerability due to structural inequalities, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to resources. A Climate Vulnerability Index reveals that women are systematically more at risk, with key factors including housing quality, income type, and caregiving duties. The research highlights the shortcomings of gender-blind climate adaptation strategies and calls for intersectional, context-specific policies that prioritize the experiences of marginalized women.