As COP29 is coming to a conclusion, Gender Day took center stage on November 21, spotlighting gender equality within the framework of climate action.
This wasn't the first time climate conferences have addressed gender issues, but COP29—dubbed the “Finance COP”—emphasizes how climate financing can support gender-related challenges and initiatives.
"Lima Work Programme on Gender"
The “Lima Work Programme on Gender” was first introduced during COP20 in Lima, Peru, in 2014. Its aim was to promote gender equality and integrate gender considerations into climate action strategies.
At COP23 in Bonn, Germany, in 2017, the first gender action plan under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted.
During COP25 in Madrid, Spain, under Chilean presidency in 2019, parties agreed on a five-year plan for the Lima Work Programme.
At COP26 in Glasgow, UK, in 2021, parties reviewed aspects of the gender action plan’s implementation.
Subsequently, at COP27, they agreed on a mid-term review of the plan, while COP28 set the stage for a final review in June 2024, ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Financing Is Crucial for Women
UN Women called on climate leaders to ensure climate financing targets women and girls, emphasizing that they are disproportionately affected by climate change. The organization urged for equitable access to resources and the inclusion of women’s voices in climate action and decision-making.
Women and girls face stark inequalities, with an estimated 158 million living below the poverty line compared to 16 million men and boys. These disparities arise from unequal access to opportunities and resources, highlighting the need for gender-targeted climate financing.
Women, particularly in low-income and developing nations, shoulder significant household responsibilities, such as gathering water and fuel. They are often primary caregivers and, in cases of divorce, typically bear the burden of raising children alone.
The worsening climate crisis exacerbates resource scarcity, intensifies community conflicts, and increases violence against women. Moreover, these challenges can lead to higher rates of early marriage.
Why Women?
Although women are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, their inclusion in climate action can amplify efforts. Women constitute 43% of the agricultural workforce, and empowering them positions them at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, water management, and disaster response. This, in turn, strengthens food security, which is increasingly threatened by climate change.
Azerbaijan’s Stance
On Gender Day, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized that gender equality is a fundamental human right. “The impacts of climate change, as we know, are not neutral,” he stated, adding, “Women and girls are particularly at risk.”
Babayev highlighted the critical role women and girls play in enhancing climate resilience, driving innovation, and addressing climate challenges. He called for recognition and appreciation of their contributions, noting significant progress in gender equality since the inception of the Lima Work Programme.
