'When they are not considered in climate policy, women are often the last to receive help after disasters, particularly where gender inequality is already stark. Compounding this deficit of assistance, women may also end up with additional domestic and care work in the wake of a disaster.

To break this cycle of compounding vulnerability, climate decision-making must bring women into the forefront. When decision-makers do not only consider women, but also a part of the policy-making process, both the situation of women and the sustainability of solutions over time may improve'.

In this article (Source: Dhaka Tribune), Samantha McCraine raises the importance of gender in global climate action from local to global level. This is timely menu for East Africa that is in the process of reviewing its Regional Climate Policy.

We reiterate that gender equality and women’s empowerment should be incorporated in all regional climate change discourse and actions as per the Gender Action Plan from the Paris Agreement, taking into account existing gender-related aspects.

(Photo credit above: Women and Gender Constituency)