Developing inclusive research methods for women in climate and health
Funded by the World Health Organization (WHO), this multi-country study (project 7) across Malaysia and Indonesia examines the barriers that limit women's involvement in climate change and health research. Both countries are highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods, droughts, and landslides. Yet many climate policies and research initiatives remain gender-blind, often overlooking women’s lived experiences and limiting their participation in shaping research agendas. This exclusion not only marginalises women’s perspectives but also weakens the quality, equity, and responsiveness of climate and health research.
The study investigates women’s research priorities, ethical considerations surrounding their participation in intersectional issues, and practical strategies to make research more accessible and inclusive for women in the Global South. The project begins by mapping non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with women in climate change and health, followed by participatory workshops designed to identify barriers and facilitators to women’s involvement in research. By creating structured spaces for dialogue and co-learning, the study seeks to strengthen inclusive research practices across the region.
Beyond its applied objectives, the project contributes to advancing research methods and theoretical frameworks related to public involvement and engagement in low- and middle-income countries. It offers new insights into epistemic justice and research democracy within climate and health discourse, providing a nuanced understanding of how context, mechanisms, and outcomes interact to shape this evolving field.