At COP29, concerns are mounting about a retreat from gender equity in climate discussions, marked by the removal of references to women and diversity from key proposals. Influential figures such as Mary Robinson have noted that opposition from certain countries is gaining traction, highlighting the distressingly low representation of women in these negotiations. The need for a strong focus on gender in addressing climate impacts is emphasized by advocates.
As climate negotiators convene at COP29 in Azerbaijan, there is growing concern regarding a regression in the incorporation of gender considerations within climate discussions. Traditionally, prior climate summits have acknowledged the essential role of women, who are disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters and changes. However, recent proposals at this summit have seen significant omissions regarding gender language, notably being stripped of references to women’s experiences and the term “diversity.”
Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president and a veteran human rights advocate, highlighted that Saudi Arabia has primarily opposed the inclusion of gender language, gaining support from Russia, which promotes traditional values. “I think they have got a sense of entitlement to do it now, because gender is going backwards,” Robinson stated, noting a broader backlash against gender equity in various regions, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe.
A draft text presented at COP29 retained only one mention of gender, insisting that climate finance should be “human rights-based and gender-responsive.” Furthermore, COP29 aims to prolong an initiative initiated in Lima in 2014, designed to systematically consider gender in UN climate policies. While opponents of gender language have maintained a low profile, a representative from Saudi Arabia posited that human rights issues were irrelevant to climate finance.
The impact of climate change on women is especially dire, with the United Nations indicating that approximately 80 percent of individuals displaced by climate disasters are women and girls. Despite their significant vulnerability, the majority of policymakers in this arena remain male. Last year, only 34 percent of delegates at COP28 were women, as noted by the Women’s Environment and Development Organization.
In light of these challenges, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for vigorous efforts toward gender inclusion in discussions. “Fighting the climate crisis, it needs female power, it needs women power, and we can only fight the climate crisis together,” she asserted.
As discussions continue, the focus on gender within climate negotiations appears to be in jeopardy, as articulated by feminist climate activist Ayshka Najib, who expressed concerns about the regress seen at COP29. Canada’s negotiator, Catherine Stewart, voiced similar apprehensions, asserting that any text reverting to past setbacks is unacceptable.
The discussion surrounding gender equity in the context of climate change has come to the forefront, particularly at UN climate summits where stakeholders emphasize the importance of including women in climate action dialogues. Historically, women have borne a disproportionately large burden in the face of climate challenges; thus, their voices and experiences are critical in shaping effective responses. As climate negotiations progress, it is vital to recognize the interconnectedness of gender issues and environmental justice, ensuring that policy frameworks are gender-responsive and inclusive.
In summary, the current climate negotiations at COP29 reveal a concerning trend of diminishing focus on gender considerations, despite their crucial relevance to effective climate action. The resistance, primarily from certain states, to include gender-related language threatens to undermine years of advocacy aimed at integrating women’s experiences and rights into climate policy. As the discourse continues, stakeholders emphasize the necessity of restoring and reinforcing gender equity within climate dialogues to ensure comprehensive and inclusive strategies in combating climate change.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
