Putting Women at the Centre of Forest Solutions to Climate Change

Mar 18, 2022 | Alexis Arthur and Elizabeth Eggerts
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The role of gender equality in climate mitigation activities is critical to address both the climate crisis and support ‘gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. It is widely held that gender equality and women’s inclusion is not only crucial for accelerating sustainable development and climate action but is also smart business. Gender-responsive approaches can bridge the gap between the promise and shortfalls of climate mitigation, particularly in reducing emissions from agriculture, forests and land use, which is critical for many tropical countries if they are to achieve their Paris Agreement goals.  

For gender equality and women’s empowerment to be effective, it needs to be a part of our daily work. In UNDP’s support to the 35 sub-national jurisdictions to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) through the Governors’ Climate & Forests Task Force (GCFTF), gender is integrated across the initiative from design to implementation and monitoring.