Ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the adoption of the Enhanced Lima Work Programme provides a clear roadmap for the development of a gender action plan (GAP) next year at COP30 in Brazil.
Monday, 25 November 2024
The new 10-year enhanced Lima Work Programme, adopted at COP29, aims to foster gender-responsive climate action; despite some resistance to language addressing human rights and equality. This framework sets the stage for the final draft of the Gender Action Plan, scheduled to be adopted at COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025.
We are currently commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed yearly across the world as a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. The climate crisis impacts people differently – women, girls, and gender-diverse people are among the most impacted, according to the United Nations (UN).
Globally, women and girls depend more on natural resources but have less access to them. In many least-developed countries, women bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and fuel.
Agriculture is the most important employment sector for women in the poorest countries in the global south. Erratic rainfall, drought, and other climate-induced impacts make it harder for women to work and secure incomes and resources. This puts pressure on girls, who often leave school to help their mothers offset the burden.
The work program acknowledges and addresses the needs and experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people as crucial to crafting inclusive climate action globally.
“We would like to share that Mexico was hoping that there would be a strengthening of the human rights framework in commitment related to going beyond the Paris Agreement so that we can uphold the right to a free healthy and sustainable environment,” the representative from the Mexican delegation said.
While the adoption of the enhanced work program signals hope for future gender-responsive climate action, significant challenges persist. Deeply rooted authoritarianism and systems of power driving the climate crisis continue to worsen gender inequalities. In the Caribbean, these issues are also pronounced, as disproportionate climate impacts exacerbate existing social and gender disparities.
“After Hurricane Maria in 2017, 79.4% of women farmers reported severe damage and loss. Single women-headed households were particularly vulnerable to the hurricane’s impact and subsequent poverty, at the same time, women lacked the finance to get back on their feet,” according to a World Bank blog article.
This year, 2024, is set to be the hottest on record. By 2050, the United Nations has suggested that climate change may push 158 million more women and girls into poverty.
Recognizing the gender dimension remains a critical and central part of global climate actions, and is key to developing and finalizing the Gender Action Plan at COP30.
You can view the full draft decision text here.
