Focusing on the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), this paper studies gendered vulnerability and adaptation in the context of climate change. Gender-differentiated roles, rights, access to knowledge and resources not only shape vulnerabilities, but often results in the disproportionate suffering of women due to socioeconomic, cultural constraints and the gendered division of labour. Climate change, socio-economic and political conditions within the HKH have led to significant changes in the experiences of marginalised groups, as well as changes in the ‘genderscape’ as seen in the increased vulnerabilities women and children face. The authors argue that enhancing the capacity of women within patriarchal institutions and polices remains an issue within DRR, meaning that the negotiation of women’s agency is ultimately an institutional outcome.