Gender plays a critical role in shaping climate mitigation efforts through the distinct responsibilities and experiences of men and women. Research highlights that gender equality can significantly enhance climate strategies, as women often contribute unique insights and knowledge vital for sustainable solutions [1, 2].
However, common gender stereotypes such as treating women as a uniform group or primarily focusing on their vulnerability can obstruct progress by oversimplifying the complex gender dynamics in climate action [3, 4]. To effectively integrate gender into climate policies, it is crucial to prioritise women’s empowerment and enable their active participation in mitigation efforts [5]. Ultimately, addressing gender inequalities not only promotes social justice but also enhances the overall resilience and impact of climate initiatives [2, 3]. As primary household caregivers, women often bear increased burdens during climate-related events, exacerbating existing disparities.
Despite their crucial role in climate mitigation, women’s contributions are frequently overlooked [6]. Integrating gender considerations into climate policies can not only help address these inequalities but also enhance the overall effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
The Role of Women in Climate Mitigation
Women have traditionally been seen as linked to Mother Earth, with the female connection to nature evident across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and natural resource management [7]. Women’s everyday actions in traditional households significantly influence greenhouse gas emissions and community resilience, whether tending to crops, managing water resources, or sustaining household energy needs. In food systems around the world, women are often at the forefront of implementing sustainable practices, from crop diversification to soil conservation [9]. These efforts reduce emissions and enhance household food security, particularly in regions where the climate crisis exacerbates hunger and poverty. Similarly, in energy management, women in rural areas are often responsible for sourcing household fuel such as firewood. Women can drastically cut emissions and improve community resilience by promoting renewable energy sources or efficient resource use [10].
Women also play a critical role in preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources. As the primary users of forests and water bodies in many regions, women possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable resource use. Their leadership in community-based conservation projects has proven essential in protecting ecosystems that are vital carbon sinks [11].
Challenges and Opportunities in Gender-Responsive Climate Mitigation
Despite the vital role women play in climate mitigation, there has been a systemic failure to integrate gender considerations into climate initiatives and policy. Many initiatives fail to engage women, particularly in sectors where they are highly active, such as agriculture, energy, and water management. This lack of engagement and inclusive decision-making ultimately reduces the effectiveness of initiatives as they are not attentive to the needs of women [6].
Additionally, traditional gender roles and systemic barriers also restrict women’s access to resources, training, and technology. Systemic gender inequalities often hinder the contributions that women can make. These inequalities manifest in a variety of ways such as limited access to resources, unequal access to education, patriarchal systems, social class inequality, and limited decision-making power which mean that women’s voices are frequently marginalised in climate policies and initiatives [6, 9, 11]. For example, women frequently have limited access to land ownership, which impedes their ability to invest in sustainable agricultural practices [11]. Moreover, educational and training opportunities in emerging technology like renewable energy are often geared toward a predominantly male workforce. For instance, solar panel installation training programs have historically targeted men [10].
The exclusion of women from decision-making spaces in climate mitigation is a critical issue that exacerbates gender inequalities and undermines effective climate action. Women are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and face increased vulnerabilities such as higher mortality rates and greater workloads due to environmental stressors like water scarcity [12]. Despite their significant role in adaptation and mitigation efforts, they remain underrepresented in political and economic spheres, limiting their contributions to climate solutions [12].
Feminist climate justice frameworks advocate for women’s representation and leadership in climate decision-making, emphasising the need for recognition, redistribution, and reparation to achieve sustainable development goals [13]. Considering women’s participation in climate governance is crucial for building resilient communities and addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the climate crisis.
Notwithstanding this general state of play, several initiatives around the world demonstrate the potential for gender-responsive climate action. In Kenya, Nepal, and Senegal, the National Gender and Energy Policy supports women with training and resources to enter the renewable energy sector, enhancing gender equality and expanding access to clean energy in rural communities [14]. Similarly, the Green Belt Movement engages women in reforestation programs, which has improved environmental and economic outcomes for rural Keynan communities [15].
In Southeast Asia, the Women’s Livelihood Bond initiative provides women with access to microfinance for sustainable enterprises, including climate-resilient agriculture and clean energy projects [16]. This program not only supports women’s economic empowerment but also promotes environmental sustainability [16]. Another example is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5 and 13 project in Indonesia, which integrates gender equality and climate action by training women in climate-smart agricultural techniques and by involving them in local decision-making processes related to environmental management [17]. By training women to become local community leaders, these initiatives enhance local resilience and ensure that women’s perspectives are included in climate strategies.
Global Frameworks and Current Discussions
International frameworks are increasingly emphasising the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate action. The Lima Work Programme on Gender under the UNFCCC is a key initiative that enhances women’s participation in climate decision-making, embedding gender considerations into national climate plans. This approach addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women while leveraging their essential roles in mitigation and adaptation [18].
The local initiatives align with these global efforts by empowering women through sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient interventions. The programs mentioned above illustrate how international commitments can be translated into tangible actions on the ground that reduce emissions, build community resilience, and promote gender equality. The Women and Gender Constituency within the UNFCCC further strengthens global efforts by advocating for gender-responsive policies in climate strategies worldwide. The growing emphasis on gender in global climate discussions, alongside the integration of gender considerations within the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signals a shift toward more equitable and effective climate mitigation strategies. Aligning local actions with global frameworks ensures that women’s contributions are recognised, valued, and amplified in the fight against climate change [19].
