Climate change adaptation research is not apolitical, and seeks to engage with critical gaps, moving forward the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) typology and integrating it into Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) programming and research design. A first step in identifying entry points for GESI integration, is to look at ambitions and objectives articulated regarding gender equality and social inclusion. This comprehensive scoping study details GESI ambitions and objectives of CLARE that resonate with IDRC’s outcome and impact-oriented ambitions on gender equality and social inclusion: to improve programme impact, and to strengthen thought leadership in gender focused research through ‘more inclusive and transformative’ programming.