Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Role of Gender in Indonesia’s Climate Justice Struggle through the Lens of Water Access

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of gender and climate justice in Indonesia, focusing on the unequal access to water resources in the context of climate change. Women, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, often bear the brunt of water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate-induced changes such as shifting rainfall patterns, droughts, and extreme weather events. Through qualitative interviews and participatory research with local communities, the study investigates how gender shapes both vulnerability to and agency in responding to water crises. The research critically examines the role of women in water management, as well as the gendered impacts of policies aimed at climate adaptation and water resource governance. While men traditionally control water access and distribution, women play a crucial role in managing household water needs and advocating for sustainable water practices. The study argues that gender-sensitive approaches to climate justice are essential for equitable water access, and that policies must recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women in water-scarce regions. By highlighting the ways in which gender dynamics influence both vulnerability and resilience, the research contributes to the broader conversation on integrating social equity into climate justice frameworks, offering policy recommendations to ensure more inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies in Indonesia.