Advancing Gender Equality in Climate Justice

On Friday, March 7, 2025, commemorating International Women’s Day, we convened a webinar titled “Transforming Gender Commitments into Reality: A Call for Action at CSW69” brought together key voices from across Africa and beyond. Hosted in partnership with FEMNET, Women Development Organization (WEDO), Abantu Network, Zambia Climate Change Network (ZCCN), Abantu Network and the Centre for Reproductive Health Rights, the webinar served as a platform to discuss the state of gender equality, the role of women in climate justice, and strategies to influence policies at the upcoming Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York.

Jessica, the Climate Finance and Gender Lead at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), opened the discussion by reflecting on Africa’s progress in gender equality and the significance of International Women’s Day as a day for action, not just celebration. She highlighted that despite global commitments, gender inequalities persist, particularly in the areas of climate finance, reproductive rights, and women’s political representation.

The Intersection of Climate Change, Gender Inequality, and Reproductive Rights

Olive Naziwa, a sexual health and reproductive rights expert, gave a compelling presentation on how climate change exacerbates gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, and child marriage.

“Women and girls in fragile and conflict-affected settings face increased risks due to climate-induced disasters. When healthcare access is disrupted, maternal health outcomes worsen, and vulnerabilities multiply,” she stressed.

She called for sexual and reproductive health rights to be integrated into climate adaptation plans, urging policymakers to recognize that climate justice is inseparable from gender justice.

Jessica reinforced this sentiment, citing research that women are seven times more likely to die during a disaster than men due to poverty, lack of resources, and entrenched gender roles.

Policy Influence and the Role of Women in Climate Justice

Anne Tek, Climate Justice Lead at FEMNET, joined the discussion and underscored the diversity of African women and their potential as agents of climate change solutions.

“Women are not just victims of climate change; they are frontline defenders and innovators in adaptation strategies,” she asserted.

Julia Mambo, the National Coordinator for PACJA in South Africa, led the conversation on African Regional Reviews on Gender Equality and Climate Justice, drawing attention to the gaps and progress in gender-responsive climate policies.

Charles Mwangi, Head of Programs and Research at PACJA, emphasized the urgent need for enforcement of gender equality policies, especially in sectors where women are the majority workforce.

“While policies against gender-based violence have been enacted globally, enforcement remains weak in Africa. We must prioritize the safeguarding of employment sectors where women dominate,” he urged.

The Road to CSW69: Challenges and Resistance

Mwanahamisi, a gender advocate, reminded the audience of the historical roots of International Women’s Day as a day of protest. She raised concerns over resistance to including strong gender and climate commitments in the upcoming CSW69 political declaration.

“Progress on linking climate change and gender equality has been slow. We cannot afford to leave these discussions out of high-level policy dialogues,” she warned.

Grace elaborated on the 10-year Lima Work Program, emphasizing the need for structural approaches that ensure gender is mainstreamed within climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Call to Action: Next Steps for Gender and Climate Justice

The webinar concluded with a powerful set of action points for all stakeholders:

1. Civil society organizations must use International Women’s Day to demand action and accountability, not just celebrate.
2. Countries must integrate gender equality into climate policies and increase climate finance for women’s groups.
3. The UNFCCC must appoint gender focal points in all relevant departments to strengthen the gender-climate nexus.
4. Women’s rights organizations should incorporate climate change focal points in their programming.
5. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must ensure gender is mainstreamed in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
6. Engaging men and boys as agents of change in gender equality efforts is essential for long-term success.
7. Governments must develop financial literacy programs for women to enhance access to climate finance.
8. Stakeholders should promote technology transfer and partnerships to drive gender-responsive climate financing.

Jessica closed the meeting by expressing her gratitude to the speakers and participants, stating:

“This conversation must translate into action. We must hold institutions accountable for their gender commitments, ensuring that women’s voices are amplified in all climate justice spaces.”

As CSW69 approaches, the urgency of these discussions cannot be overstated. The time for transformative action is now. Gender equality and climate justice must go hand in hand, ensuring that the commitments made on paper are turned into lived realities for women and girls worldwide.