The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) section of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will host a virtual expert meeting on 29 June 2021 to present the findings of its new report on gender and climate change in Africa.
The meeting is an opportunity for a diverse group of experts to analyse the findings of the report, sharpen its narrative and strengthen its policy recommendations on integrating gender perspectives into the responses to climate change.
While the impacts of climate change affect everyone, woman and girls tend to be at greater risk due to the entrenched gender roles and responsibilities. UN figures indicate that 80 per cent of people displaced by climate change are women. Despite the disproportionate impact, women’s voices remain largely excluded from discussions and decisions about the responses to climate change.
The ‘Gender and Climate in Africa: Building a Case for Gender Responsive Resilient Policies’ report sets out practical steps which member states can follow to incorporate gender perspectives into their national policies, action plans and other measures on climate change.
The overall purpose of the report is to deepen knowledge and address underlying barriers militating against gender responsive climate change policies. The report provides analysis for charting policy priorities and strategic actions to address climate change-related vulnerabilities, especially those that have a bearing on the widening gender gaps.
The contributions of experts will guide the finalization of the report, which is expected to be released later this year.
For more information, please email Keiso Matashane-Marite at matashane-marite@un.org.