Gender inclusivity emerged as a central theme in a recent roundtable discussion at the APFSD focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 – Climate Action.
Organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 20 to 23 February, the Forum brought together a cross-section of key development actors, including senior government and UN officials, the private sector and representatives of youth and civil society to share their experiences, and mobilize regional action and solutions.
Representatives from the PLEASE Project emphasized the critical role of women in addressing the intersection of plastics pollution and climate change. Recognizing the direct link between plastics and climate change, the PLEASE Project representatives underscored the importance of involving women as a priority focus group in climate action initiatives.
One of the key takeaways from the PLEASE Project’s intervention was the need for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) efforts to incorporate gender-focused themes. In baseline surveys, the project ensures a separate component on gender-inclusive data collection, acknowledging women’s integral role in the plastic sector, particularly as waste pickers. This approach reflects an understanding of the significant care burden that women often bear within their families, necessitating their well-being to be addressed comprehensively.
Furthermore, the roundtable discussion highlighted the importance of qualitative data gathering in understanding the nuanced impact of climate change on gender dynamics. It was emphasized that collected data should not be confined to reports but disseminated widely to the general public.
The integration of M&E efforts with communication strategies, as being done by the PLEASE Project, ensures greater visibility to the ground realities and the potential transformation of the lives of focus groups affected by regional interventions.
The representatives of the PLEASE Project also stressed the significance of regional collaboration in mitigating climate change and addressing the plastic pollution threat. They called for collective action among stakeholders gathered at APFSD to prioritize gender inclusivity in SDG 13 initiatives, considering plastics as a significant environmental concern.
Additionally, other participants addressed various pertinent topics, including the need for individual-level data collection, the integration of gender and climate-related data, and the importance of occupational health and safety for women. Concerns were raised about the reliance on traditional algorithms in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the urgency of prioritizing data integration into Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).
Collaboration across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was emphasized, along with the necessity of specificity in targeting groups for interventions. Participants also discussed the need for governments to consider national capital accounting assessments and the role of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in supporting women-led businesses and ensuring appropriate work gear for women.
By recognizing the vital role of women in addressing plastic pollution and climate change, the project aligns with the mandate of APFSD to take urgent action towards combating climate change and its impacts.
Through gender-focused Monitoring and Evaluation efforts and effective communication strategies, the PLEASE Project sets a precedent for integrating gender considerations into climate initiatives, thereby paving the way for more inclusive and impactful interventions. As stakeholders continue to collaborate and prioritize gender inclusivity in climate action, we move closer to achieving the overarching goals of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
