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Significant progress was made during COP28, but the pace of improvement on the gender balance front remained slow. In fact, unfortunately, only 38 percent of party delegations were women – an increase on COP27, where 34 percent were women.  

However, despite this challenge, there were positive steps taken, including the launch of the , which garnered endorsement from 68 parties. This partnership encompasses a set of commitments focusing on finance, data, and equal opportunities. It aims to build upon the advancements achieved through the enhanced UN Climate Change Lima Work Programme and its Gender Action Plan.

Discussions placed a heightened emphasis on recognizing and amplifying the experiences and leadership of women in climate responses, ensuring that actions taken to address climate change are both inclusive and attuned to the specific needs of women. A crucial aspect of this inclusivity is the availability of high-quality, gender-disaggregated data, which plays a pivotal role in informed decision-making for finance and resource allocation.

The Global Conference on Gender and Environmental Data spurred an immediate call to action, advocating for a rise in the gathering and application of gender and environmental data. The objective is to propel gender-responsive initiatives for climate and environmental action on a global level.

During the last Knowledge Sharing Café of the year, Dunia Baroud El Khoury, Kenza Benmoussa, and Maha Al Shalkamy shared their reflections on this topic, including their expertise and lessons learned from the latest COP. 

Kenza Benmoussa: Navigating Climate Action, Empowering Women, and Addressing Gender Disparities

Kenza Benmoussa, a key delegate from the Moroccan Delegation at COP28, emerged as a leading woman in climate action, sustainability consulting, and the founder of EarthBound Harmony. Throughout the conference, Kenza showcased dynamic engagement, emphasizing her commitment to climate action and women's empowerment. As a speaker at a UN Women and Pakistan Government side event, she passionately highlighted the importance of collaboration and mentoring for women's entrepreneurship, stressing the impact on financial stability amid climate challenges.

Beyond speaking, Kenza actively participated in various initiatives, including a press conference on the role of art in climate education and a workshop at the Oman Pavilion addressing the challenges of the "Climate Caravan" project. She also acknowledged and addressed the gender gap in the tech and business sectors, advocating for urgent measures to rectify the disparity.

“COP28 delivered substantial outcomes, addressing crucial issues like Loss and Damage, Climate Finance, Global Stocktake, Fossil Fuels, Just Transition, and Nature,” Kenza said. “A landmark agreement was reached to assist nations vulnerable to climate change impacts, with wealthy nations committing over $650 million. Advancements were made on the $100 billion dedicated to climate mitigation and adaptation, aligning emissions reductions with the goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Now, the focus shifts to the crucial phase of implementation, translating agreements into tangible actions at grassroots levels”.

However, amid these highlights, Kenza also acknowledged lowlights, particularly concerning the gender gap prevalent in tech, businesses, and leadership positions. Disturbing statistics revealed in a panel hosted by Hillary Clinton and GAFA industry (LinkedIn and Amazon) underscored the stark reality that only 0.1% of women currently possess financial access within the climate sector. This sobering revelation became a focal point for Kenza, prompting a call to action for urgent measures to address and rectify the gender disparity within the climate and innovation landscape. Her participation in business and philanthropy gatherings, including those hosted by Bloomberg, further amplified her advocacy for women's empowerment in climate action and businesses, signaling Kenza's unwavering commitment to driving positive change on multiple fronts.

Charting the Path Forward: Maha Al Shalkamy's Insights, Challenges, and Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Climate Action Post-COP28

Maha Al Shalkamy, Senior Socio-Economic Advisor at BASEERA & MENA HPF, highlighted key outcomes and challenges from COP28. Positives included a global climate deal, with over 100 countries supporting a move away from fossil fuels, calling for a tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency by 2030. However, she noted loopholes, such as the reliance on unproven carbon capture technologies and the continued role of methane as a "transitional fuel."

Despite positive steps, Maha believes the agreement falls short in addressing the climate crisis promptly, saying that the “agreement does not go "far enough" or "fast enough" to rein in the climate crisis”.  On the gender front, she actively participated in events addressing the intersection of gender and climate, emphasizing the need for a gender lens in achieving net-zero goals and linking gender equality with climate solutions. Maha stressed the importance of mobilizing capital for female entrepreneurs and raising awareness of women's rights amid climate change challenges.

Looking forward, Mahaaims to become a formal negotiator for the Egyptian delegation on gender equality and climate change at the next COP. She plans to contribute to Egypt's NDC report update, collaborate with local organizations on female economic empowerment in Upper Egypt, and work with WeCaN on initiatives like creating a funding database. Additionally, she will continue capacity building and advocacy through lectures at the American University in Cairo and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Al Shalkamy is committed to ongoing efforts like the "Climate Caravan" initiative, ensuring a holistic and gender-responsive approach to climate action.

Dunia Baroud El Khoury's Journey from COP15 to COP28 and the Call to Confront Global Challenges

Dunia Baroud El Khoury, Founder and President “Women’s Association of Deir El Ahmar “-Lebanon actively participated in UNCCD - COP15 in Abidjan, advocating for increased women's participation and their influential role in COP decisions. Supported by WeCaN, she joined the delegation for UNFCCC - COP 28 in Dubai, where she witnessed negotiators from nearly 200 Parties deciding on the world's first 'global stocktake' to elevate climate action and maintain the 1.5°C temperature limit. 

Exploring numerous exhibits, press conferences, and side events, she actively participated in UNCCD-FAO side event and League Arab States events, showcasing women's contributions to drought management and sustainable rural development. Engaging in the “Climate Caravan” launch, she returned to Lebanon with a commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and fellow Lebanese delegation members, aiming for national and regional climate action, in addition to international efforts with WeCaN. However, according to Dunia, “there is an imperative need to raise a collective voice against wars worldwide as a crucial step in preserving our shared planet.”

The journeys of WeCan women at COP28 spotlight both triumphs and challenges. Kenza Benmoussa, Maha Al Shalkamy, and Dunia Baroud El Khoury underscored the urgency of addressing gender disparities in the climate sector, with only 0.1% of women having financial access. To effect change, there's a critical need to strengthen female representation in national and regional governments and civil society organizations. Current statistics indicate a glaring gender gap in these influential roles. WeCaN emphasizes the importance of learning opportunities, partnership building, and capacity building also at the landscape level to empower women in climate action. Moving forward, the focus must shift from plans to tangible actions, ensuring climate responses are more gender-responsive. It is crucial to engage in collaborative endeavors to amplify climate solutions led by women, highlighting women and girls as central figures in climate leadership, because gender-responsive climate initiatives are the most intelligent and effective approach to addressing climate change.