Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) strategy

Summary

The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, along with the corresponding Strategic Action Plan 2024-2029 are produced as part of an initiative to enhance the ARA’s capacity to support gender mainstreaming, social inclusion, and gender-transformative action. Developed based on an institutional assessment of the ARA and its membership, the strategy provides clear and actionable targets that guide the ARA’s work as an organization that facilitates networking, collaboration and peer-learning for its membership across the globe.

The GESI framework is designed to inform not only human resources policies but also the technical aspects of adaptation research and programming.

It serves as a comprehensive guide for all actors—including government agencies, private sector partners, and alliances—to meaningfully integrate gendered concepts and social inclusion frameworks into their work. By doing so, the strategy aims to foster informed research and enhance the overall impact of adaptation initiatives.

In addressing GESI, the strategy recognizes the presence of hyper-marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), and LGBTQIA+ individuals. These groups often face unique challenges that require specific and targeted strategies within the broader GESI framework. This is crucial, as many individuals may simultaneously belong to multiple marginalized categories—being men, women, rural dwellers, and economically disadvantaged—compounding their vulnerabilities. The strategy provides a foundation for understanding compounding vulnerabilities and facilitates responsive GESI approaches.