CoP26: Women need more space at the climate table

Synopsis: Women are affected more by the climate change. Yet, mainstreaming of women gender in key roles and processes has seen inadequate progress. Women need to have more say in global climate action.

Introduction

Climate change affects women and girls disproportionately, as they are more vulnerable to threats posed by the crisis. Women and girls in all the regional and occupational diversity, experience its impacts differently.

This should translate to women having a larger say in advancing gender-responsive climate action, however the case is not so.

How are women more vulnerable to climate change?

Impoverished women gather fuel, water and food, and hence, often suffer the most when shortages are caused or made worse by the climate crisis.

No land rights: They don’t usually have land rights, so they are also more likely to be displaced in climate disasters. UN report stated that nearly 80% of people displaced by climate change are women.

Gender-based violence: The climate crisis exacerbates gender-based violence against women. Climate change increases women and girls’ risk for marital violence, sexual exploitation and early and forced marriage.

They lack representation in influencing decision-making at regional and global level.

What are the events voicing women participation at UNFCCC?

CoP-7 in 2001 stressed on the need need for women’s equal participation and representation in bodies established under the UNFCCC or Kyoto Protocol. It was reiterated in CoP16 in 2010.

At CoP-20 in 2014, parties were formally invited to enhance participation of women in the Convention process. They established the first Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG).

The first gender action plan (GAP) under the UNFCCC was established at CoP23.

At CoP25, parties agreed for a five-year enhanced ‘LWPG’ and ‘GAP’.

What is the progress seen in women representation?

A marginal increase: According to UNFCC, since 2013, female representation has increased in eight bodies, most significantly the adaptation committee.

IUCN 2015 data showed that only 12% of national environmental ministries were led by women. In 2020, the figure was 15%.

Inadequate Progress: Effective gender mainstreaming is not seen in global bodies, and in most national climate policy efforts. Members on key panels and decision-making groups are mostly men.

Source: This post is based on the article “CoP26: Women need more space at the climate table” published in Down To Earth on 30th October 2021.