Groundbreaking research exploring the intersections between gender, climate change, and disaster risk reduction urges Pacific nations to move from commitment to action to address inequalities which sideline the voices of women and girls.
The research report was commissioned by UN Women and launched on Day One of the inaugural Pacific Feminist Forum, which was convened at the University of the South Pacific in Suva yesterday.
The research highlights that the majority of climate change and disaster risk reduction legislation and policies in the Pacific are still 'gender-blind', in that they fail to recognise the varied gender needs and social roles and responsibilities of women and girls, men and boys.
In addition, the vast majority of climate change and disaster risk reduction projects implemented in the region do not address the specific needs of women and girls.
UN Women’s Fiji Multi-Country Office Representative Aleta Miller says that due to prevailing gender inequalities and social norms, women and girls are disproportionally affected by climate change and disasters.
She says that the participation and leadership of women and girls are critical to building the resilience of communities and nations.
The report presents case studies from the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu and includes recommendations in five key areas: policy environment; institutional arrangements; implementation and practices; advocacy, knowledge generation and management; and women's participation and leadership.
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