Climate change poses significant risks and impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, particularly women. While measures such as access to credit, savings tools, and affordable insurance products can help mitigate losses and damages caused by climate-related events, there are stark gender-specific differences in how these risks and impacts are experienced. These disparities stem from complex, multifaceted inequalities and play a crucial role in determining the extent of climate-related risks faced by different groups. Particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change are individuals and communities who experience marginalisation in various spheres of life, including social, economic, cultural, political, and institutional domains. This heightened vulnerability extends not only to the direct impacts of climate change but also to certain adaptation and mitigation strategies implemented to address these challenges (UNDP, 2016). The uneven distribution of climate risks underscores the importance of inclusion in climate action while highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address the root causes of vulnerability and ensure that solutions do not inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities. Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) plays a crucial role in building resilience against climate-related
shocks and disasters. However, without proper consideration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), these mechanisms may fail to adequately protect vulnerable populations. This review primarily focuses on the integration of gender considerations in CDRFI policies and programmes in Senegal, with only partial exploration of other aspects of social inclusion. The aim is to identify gaps and provide recommendations for integrating and/or strengthening gender-responsive approaches within CDRFI. Ensuring the inclusion of gender perspectives is critical to guarantee that different segments of society—particularly women—have equitable access to the financial resources needed to build resilience and mitigate the economic impacts of climate-related disasters. While the analysis touches on other socially excluded groups, such as children, youth, the elderly, and marginalised populations, the scope of this report is centred on gender.

This publication is a product of the Centre of Excellence on Gender-smart Solutions (CoE); for more information, please visit https://coe-gendersmartcdrfi.org/. The CoE is an initiative that serves as a knowledge hub for advancing gender-responsive approaches within Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI), providing the latest insights, practical guidance, and opportunities to promote equitable and inclusive solutions.