Women’s wellbeing and life choices are profoundly influenced by social institutions: even without climate change impacts, they face gender inequalities which typically lead to higher rates of poverty. Resource scarcity imposed by climate change affects women deeply, especially in areas where they are the primary farmers and managers of fuel wood and water. This brief argues that gender considerations should be at the heart of climate change policies and programmes in developing countries because: women are differentially affected by climate change; differences between male and female roles and responsibilities may affect individuals’ capacity for climate action; differences in voice and power mean that women’s priorities may not be recognised; gender-sensitive adaptation programmes are more effective in safeguarding livelihoods, as empowered women are generally less vulnerable to disaster impacts; women have the potential to contribute as equal partners to the low carbon transition.