"PhD Studentship - Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance"

University of Bradford - Institute of Digital & Sustainable Futures

Project Supervisors: Dr Pedi Obani

Project Description:

Climate change makes existing problems worse, especially for already vulnerable and marginalised groups. Unfortunately, data about climate risks is not always broken down in ways that show how different communities are affected (Obani, 2023). For women in developing countries, the climate crisis is already deepening inequality. It limits their access to natural resources and decision-making systems, increases illness and death from climate-related disasters, and worsens barriers to healthcare, including maternal care (UN Women, 2022).

As the call for climate justice grows, it is crucial to interrogate the regulatory frameworks and institutions that shape women’s experiences of climate change impacts and their access to remedies for the harms caused by climate change. Against this backdrop, the aim of the Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GenCGov) is to develop tools, strategies, and frameworks that help build fairer political and legal systems, advancing women’s representation and agency in climate governance. As part of this, it is important to understand women’s access to justice and how gender shapes climate governance at various levels, from the international to the local. Overall, GenCGov seeks to reframe climate justice through a gender lens, reimagining how gender inclusion can transform climate governance systems. The outcomes would highlight key strategies for strengthening legal and political institutions to be more resilient and inclusive in the face of complex human development challenges.

Proposals are invited from prospective PhD candidates interested in contributing to the GenCGov research project, particularly exploring the intersections between climate justice and gender equality, through a multidisciplinary lens. Emphasis should be placed on issues of climate litigation, culture, sustainability, and access and allocation of livelihood resources to groups in vulnerable situations. Applications are welcome from candidates across diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including but not limited to climate governance, public policy, law, development studies, social sciences, environmental studies, public health, and feminist and decolonial research.

Funding notes:

This project has full funding for UK students, which will cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year for living costs.

Funding for:

This studentship is fully funded for UK students and covers tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year for living costs.

International students are welcome to apply, but will be required to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees.

Enquiries email name and address:

For informal enquiries, please contact research@bradford.ac.uk

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online through the online application portal.