This joint report from FAO, WMO, and GWP urges governments to rethink how drought plans are designed—not just to respond to water shortages, but to ensure that no one is left behind in the process. Women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups often face greater risks during droughts, yet their voices and needs are frequently overlooked in policy.
To address this, the guide introduces a practical toolkit for reviewing national drought plans through the lens of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). It draws on feminist policy analysis principles and offers a structured approach to assess not only what’s in the plan, but how it was developed and whether it truly delivers inclusive outcomes.
The framework reviews three dimensions:
- Content – Are diverse groups acknowledged? Are data disaggregated by sex, age, and other factors?
- Process – Were affected groups involved in the planning stages?
- Outcomes – Are there clear, funded actions to reduce inequality and build resilience?
The report also includes case studies from Grenada, Jordan, and Somalia. While these countries have made notable efforts, gaps remain—particularly around intersectionality and dedicated resources for implementation.
Importantly, the guide doesn’t just critique—it offers minimum standards and actionable recommendations for governments, such as ensuring representation of gender and social ministries, setting measurable targets, and collecting better data.
In short, building resilient drought responses means recognizing that vulnerability isn’t one-size-fits-all. Inclusive planning isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for effective, just, and sustainable drought management.