Climate Change and Gender: Mapping Drought and Gender Gap in Literacy and Employment Sections in Iran between 2011 and 2016

Background: Drought is one of the most frequent natural hazards in Iran. Gender analysis can highlight the different needs and capacities of men and women to manage drought hazards. Thus, the present study aimed to map drought and the gender gap in drought data based on the provincial zones in 2011 and 2016. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 stages establishing a database and spatial analysis. Data mapping was done based on provincial divisions, sex-disaggregated distribution of literacy, and employment rate as well as drought patterns in Iran in 2011 and 2016 using ArcGIS software. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze and report the sex-disaggregated literacy and employment data. Results: About 80.73% and 75.27% of women and 80.89% and 74.74% of men experienced severe and very severe droughts in 2011 and 2016, respectively. Gender inequality in the aspects of literacy and employment in drought-affected regions was found in 2011 and 2016. Conclusion: Community-based planning and management in regions exposed to climate change are suggested for reducing the consequences of climatic disasters such as droughts. Women need to be empowered and trained for innovative livelihood activities in rural and urban areas in Iran and other developing countries affected by long-term droughts.