The effects of climate change are growing more pronounced and increasingly threaten the well-being of society, regardless of geographic location. However, the burdens of climate change are not equally distributed. Communities that are especially vulnerable or underrepresented often suffer the most, and climate change impacts can exacerbate existing gender inequalities. To address these pressing issues, I recently hosted an interactive webinar on developing gender-inclusive climate legislation, focusing on carbon market policy under the demand of members of parliament in Kenya. The conversation also touched on Jordan’s green economy and the lack of women’s representation in high-level discussions and decision-making processes.

We were joined by a distinguished panel of experts in climate change and gender:

- Annamie Paul: Human rights lawyer, climate policy advocate, and former leader of the Green Party of Canada.
- Shada El-Sharif: Founder & Senior Advisor, SustainMENA.
- Sarah Njoroge: Principal Climate Change & Gender, Intellecap Kenya.

The discussion centered around best practices for creating gender-inclusive climate legislation. Here are the main topics and insights from our conversation:

1. Policy Recommendations for Gender-Inclusive Climate Legislation

Question: What are the key policy recommendations for policy-makers seeking to develop gender-inclusive legislation within the context of carbon markets and taxation?

• Incorporate Gender Analysis: Policies should include a thorough gender analysis to understand how different genders are affected by climate change and carbon market mechanisms. This analysis should consider intersectional factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
• Ensure Representation: Women, particularly those from vulnerable communities, should be represented in all levels of policy-making and implementation. Establishing gender quotas in decision-making bodies can help ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
• Targeted Support Programs: Develop support programs that address specific barriers women face in participating in carbon markets, such as access to finance, technology, and training. Additionally, prioritize investments in sectors that have the potential to create sustainable and green jobs for women, such as renewable energy and conservation.

2. Integrating Gender Disparities in Carbon Market Mechanisms

Question: How can gender disparities be integrated into the assessment and design of carbon market mechanisms to ensure they are inclusive and equitable?

Insights:

• Inclusive Assessment Frameworks: Develop assessment frameworks that explicitly consider gender disparities in carbon market mechanisms. This involves collecting gender-disaggregated data and conducting gender impact assessments to understand the differential impacts of policies and programs on men and women.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with women’s organizations and grassroots communities throughout the design and implementation of carbon market mechanisms. This ensures that the needs, priorities, and experiences of women are incorporated into decision-making processes.
• Equitable Benefits: Design mechanisms to ensure that benefits from carbon markets, such as revenue generation or access to clean technologies, are distributed equitably among men and women. This may involve targeted investments in women-led initiatives or the establishment of gender-responsive financing mechanisms.

3. Examples of Gender-Responsive Initiatives

Question: Can you provide examples of successful initiatives where gender-responsive approaches have been incorporated into carbon market frameworks?

Insights:

• Clean Cooking Initiatives: Implement programs that provide clean cooking technologies to women in rural and peri-urban areas. These initiatives not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve indoor air quality and health outcomes for women and their families.
• Women-Led Climate Projects: Support women entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector through capacity-building programs, access to finance, and market linkages. By empowering women to lead climate projects, these initiatives contribute to gender equality while advancing climate action.

4. Role of Gender-Sensitive Data Collection

Question: What role can gender-sensitive data collection and analysis play in informing the design and evaluation of carbon market policies and initiatives?

Insights:

• Informed Policy-Making: Gender-sensitive data collection and analysis provide policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of the gender dimensions of climate change and carbon markets. This information enables evidence-based decision-making and ensures that policies are tailored to address the specific needs and priorities of men and women.
• Tracking Progress: Gender-sensitive data collection allows for the monitoring and evaluation of the gender impacts of carbon market policies and initiatives over time. This enables policymakers to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed to ensure that gender equality objectives are met.

5. Leveraging Carbon Market Revenues

Question: What opportunities exist for leveraging carbon market revenues to promote women's economic empowerment and leadership in climate action?

Insights:

• Funding Women’s Initiatives: Allocate a portion of carbon market revenues to fund women-led climate projects and businesses. This can include grants, loans, and other forms of financial support to empower women entrepreneurs and innovators in the climate space.
• Capacity Building: Invest in training programs that build women’s skills in climate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship. By equipping women with the necessary knowledge and resources, they can take on leadership roles in climate action and contribute to sustainable development.

6. Strategies for Mainstreaming Gender in Carbon Pricing

Question: What specific strategies or tools can policy-makers utilize to mainstream gender considerations into carbon pricing and taxation policies?

Insights:

• Gender Quotas: Implement quotas or targets to ensure gender balance in decision-making bodies responsible for designing and implementing carbon pricing and taxation policies. This ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and women have a seat at the table.
• Gender Impact Assessments: Conduct gender impact assessments of carbon pricing and taxation policies to understand how they may affect men and women differently. This involves analyzing the distributional impacts of policies

The webinar provided invaluable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, highlighting the critical intersection between gender equality and climate action. As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, it is imperative that we prioritize the needs and perspectives of all members of society, particularly those who are most vulnerable or marginalized.

By integrating Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) into climate policies, we can ensure that the benefits of climate action are shared equitably and that the voices of women and other underrepresented groups are heard. This requires a concerted effort to address gender disparities in carbon market mechanisms, enhance stakeholder engagement, and leverage carbon market revenues to promote women's economic empowerment and leadership in climate action.

For more insights and updates on gender-based analysis plus, gender-sensitive legislation and related topics, connect with The Smart Woman Consulting.