Women's involvement and engagement in climate and health research in two Global South countries - Indonesia and Malaysia: barriers and facilitators.

Abstract

Climate change disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where entrenched gender roles shape vulnerability and response capacities. Many women are often responsible for post-disaster clean-up, caregiving for children and relatives affected by climate-related health impacts, and ensuring household food and water security during periods of scarcity. These roles place many women at the frontline of climate-related hardship, yet their perspectives remain underrepresented in climate and health research. Addressing this gap is critical for generating evidence that is both equitable and grounded in the realities of those most affected. This study sought to explore conditions under which a snapshot of women in Southeast Asia could move beyond participation toward partnership in future research and to examine pathways for their active involvement in research, not merely as participants but as partners in shaping agendas, methodologies, and outcomes. We conducted workshops in Indonesia and Malaysia to examine women's potential roles across the research cycle, their training needs, and the barriers and enablers to involvement and engagement in research. Discussions revealed that they are willing and able to contribute at all stages of research, provided safe, supportive spaces are created. These spaces were described as women-only environments that allowed children to be present, enabling participation without compromising caregiving responsibilities. However, a critical barrier was the requirement for men's permission to engage in research activities, highlighting the need to negotiate access and build trust within households and communities. Religious and cultural contexts further shape these dynamics, underscoring the need for researchers and policymakers to collaborate with local institutions to strengthen community ties and facilitate women's inclusion. Our findings indicate a snapshot of what facilitates women's involvement as active partners in climate and health research, thereby enhancing the relevance, legitimacy, and sustainability of such research. By addressing structural barriers and embedding culturally sensitive approaches, participatory research can empower women, amplify community resilience, and generate adaptation strategies that benefit entire families and communities. The implications extend beyond Southeast Asia, offering lessons for global climate-health research on how inclusive methodologies can contribute to more equitable and sustainable responses to climate change.