Many African countries are grappling with the process of gender mainstreaming, and lack guidance at the national level on how to do so. This a challenge for Africa, and must be addressed through policy dialogue so that NDCs and other climate actions are designed and implemented in a gender-responsive process.

Effective implementation of gender-responsive climate change initiatives rests on an inclusive approach taking into account the needs, interests and vulnerabilities of women, men and youth from the conceptual phase, through to program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

In 2015, the international community adopted two major Agendas: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Paris Agreement. Gender equality and women’s concerns are embedded in both agreements. A multi-pronged approach is required for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and the NDCs in order to achieve transformational change in countries - and low-emission, climate resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.

George Wamukoya of African Working Group on Gender and Climate Change (AWGGCC) suggested “the year 2020 provides ample opportunity for African countries to update their NDCs and mainstream gender”.