Exploring Gender Gaps in Climate Change Adaptation: Insights from Rural Women in Mudzi District, Zimbabwe

Women in water-deficient rural areas, who are most affected by climate change, face myriad issues that deter their economic participation and quality of life. This study unravelled the gender gaps that still exist in climate change adaptation through the experiences of women in Ward 3, Mudzi district, Zimbabwe. Qualitative methodology was used for the study. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to identify study participants. A survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to gather data from one hundred respondents affected by climate change across various activities. District Officers from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, and community and project leaders were interviewed using key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Preliminary findings indicated that there are significant gender-based differences in climate change adaptive capacity between men and women. Women tend to be hardest hit by climate change effects, resulting in physical and mental health problems, cultural norms and beliefs, and discrimination. The study also found that most policies and frameworks that promote gender equality and equity tend to generalize women's interests and needs and exclude important aspects of social justice. There is a need for tailored, context-specific policies and strategies that address gender needs. Received: 19 January 2026 / Accepted: 28 February 2026 / Published: March 2026