Malawi faces increasing climate shocks, including the 2015 floods and the severe 2016 drought linked to the strongest El Niño in 35 years (World Bank, 2017). Women make up 51.22 % of the population (National Statistical Office (NSO), 2023) and perform 50–70 % of agricultural tasks, producing about 80 % of household food (Food and Agriculture Organization- FAO, 2020). These disruptions disproportionately affect women, who manage caregiving and resource provision, forcing them to travel longer distances for food and water, which also increases exposure to gender based violence. According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) (2020), 42 % of women in Malawi have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner, and risks escalate during crises when shelters are overcrowded and access to services is disrupted. Recurring climate shocks reveal gaps in Malawi’s preparedness and financing mechanisms.

This analysis examines the integration of gender within CDRFI policies, programmes and instruments to increase financial protection for vulnerable people in Malawi. It identifies systemic barriers and provides actionable recommendations to ensure equitable access to financial resources that build resilience and mitigate the economic impacts of climate-related disasters.

This publication is a product of the Centre of Excellence on Gender-smart Solutions (CoE); for more information, please visit the CoE Website. 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.