This study argues that there is a major knowledge gap in relation to the impact of multiple drivers of change on women in Nepal and women’s role in adaptation to climate change and managing natural resources.

The scoping study aims to address this gap and identifies differences in impact and adaptive capacity between and among women and men. It also identifies appropriate and sustainable adaptation strategies which it is argued would ensure equitable access to resources, rights, and opportunities for marginalized, minority, and indigenous people. The findings of the study are taken to show that across Nepal, there has been an increase in rural women’s workload rendering multiple effects on women’s health, income, safety, nutrition, violence against women and ultimately on women’s social, economic and political empowerment. It also argues that variability in water availability has negatively affected women’s livelihoods.