Women, Climate Change, and the Missing Voices

In the coming week, world leaders will gather for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan to basically discuss how humanity can accelerate climate actions, curbing global warming to below 1.5°C. While many years back, we have agreed that climate change is not gender neutral, the discussions around women , especially mothers and those from marginalized communities, in this important convening is very limited.

While progress was made on various fronts, such as the evidence of Gender Day at previous COP28, the absence of structured dialogue around how women, particularly those in vulnerable communities, in local climate initiative represents a significant missed opportunity particularly at the upcoming COP29. Looking at the published COP29 initiatives or agenda, women or gender are only mentioned 3-4 times out of 7680 words elaborating it ambitious collaborative. If we want to interpret it simplistically, less than 0.1% focus of this year’s COP29 is given to women.

Crucial Agents of Climate Action

We all know that in various regions of the world, women, especially mothers, are already leading climate adaptation efforts at the grassroots level. Whether it’s managing water resources in drought-prone areas or spearheading sustainable agricultural practices, women have been silently driving change. However, their contributions remain largely invisible in high-level discussions. Take, for example, Indonesia.

In regions like East Nusa Tenggara, women are leading efforts to adapt to water scarcity caused by prolonged dry seasons. Local mothers have organized water conservation initiatives, introducing rainwater harvesting systems that provide sustainable water supplies for their communities. These grassroots efforts not only ensure water security but also strengthen community resilience in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns. Despite these efforts, women like them are rarely invited to participate in policy planning, even though their practical knowledge and leadership are essential to creating effective climate strategies.

Similarly, across other Global South countries like Kenya and Bangladesh, women have pioneered innovative climate solutions. In Kenya, women-led groups have been at the forefront of reforestation and sustainable land management efforts. In Bangladesh, mothers are playing critical roles in disaster preparedness, educating their communities about early warning systems for cyclones and floods. These examples demonstrate that women are not only victims of climate change—they are also powerful agents of change.

The Climate Impact is Never Gender Neutral

We need to admit and agree that climate impact is never a gender neutral. Women, particularly in vulnerable regions, face a dual challenge. They are disproportionately affected by climate change, but they are also the ones tasked with finding solutions in their communities. The impacts of climate change—whether drought, flooding, or rising sea levels— may disrupt food production, water access, and livelihoods. And guess who bear the burden for securing these resources? Yes. In many communities, it is women.

These challenges most often pushed women to become leaders in adaptation and resilience. In Indonesia’s Sumba Island, women took charge of reforesting degraded land, turning barren areas into productive forests that provide food, fuel, and materials. This not only restores ecosystems but also supports livelihoods, demonstrating how women’s actions are intertwined with the well-being of their communities.

Why Women Must Be at the Heart of Climate Narratives

The examples from Indonesia, Kenya, and Bangladesh signify why women must be at the heart of climate narratives and decision-making processes. Women, particularly mothers, have a deep understanding of their local environments, ecosystems, and community needs. As emphasized by Puti Puar, founder of BuIbu Baca Buku, during our recent podcast, women, particularly mothers, are the ones managing the day-to-day impacts of climate change, from ensuring water and food security to protecting their families during natural disasters. Their roles as caregivers, resource managers, and community leaders give them unique insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to climate resilience.

The exclusion from policy-making spaces means that climate policies often fail to account for the practical needs of entire communities. For instance, policies that focus on large-scale infrastructure or technological solutions can overlook the simple, cost-effective strategies that women are already using to adapt. Engaging women in these conversations is not just about inclusion for the sake of equity; it’s about creating climate policies that are grounded in real-world solutions.

COP 29: A Crucial Moment for Change

As important as targeting to setup new Climate Finanece Action Fund (CFAF), ensuring women, particularly those from the Global South, to have a seat at the table can help accelerate the climate ambitions and enable actions to create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable world. Policymakers must recognize that the voices of women are not an “add-on” to climate discussions. They are essential for creating effective, inclusive solutions. This is especially important in light of the recent discussions at New York Climate Week, where the gap in representation was evident.

The climate discourse needs to prioritize gender-sensitive climate policies that actively engage women, particularly those leading local climate initiatives. This means not just inviting women to participate in discussions but creating spaces where their contributions are valued and integrated into policy frameworks. It also means acknowledging the leadership roles that women are already playing at the grassroots level and supporting these efforts through targeted funding and policy support.

It’s time to recognize and amplify the contributions of women, ensuring they are not only part of the conversation but actively shaping the climate policies that affect their lives and communities.