MEDIA RELEASE
Integration of Gender in Preparation of NDCs and LT-LEDS in East and Southern African Countries
Windhoek, Namibia — November 29, 2024 – The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Regional Collaboration Centre for East and Southern Africa, in partnership with UN Women and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) held a three-day workshop focused on integrating gender considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek. Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategies are essential policy tools that guide countries in defining sustainable, low-emission pathways as part of their commitments to the Paris Agreement. Recognising the critical role of gender equality and women's empowerment in achieving these goals, this workshop aims to enhance the integration of gender issues into climate policies across East and Southern Africa.
The workshop aims to equip participants with practical tools and knowledge to integrate gender into climate strategies. Utilising the step-by-step methodology developed by UN Women, attendees applied this approach to Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), drawing lessons relevant to their national contexts. Additionally, the event seeks to enhance participants' understanding of how to effectively incorporate gender considerations into climate policies, ensuring these policies are inclusive and responsive. Furthermore, the workshop fosters collaboration and peer learning, creating opportunities for participants to share experiences and strengthen regional efforts in integrating gender into climate instruments.
According to the Regional Lead of RCC, Mr. William Otieno, there is a pressing need for capacity building within governments to effectively integrate gender into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). “Many stakeholders lack the skills or knowledge necessary to conduct gender analyses or implement gender transformative strategies. This gap highlights the importance of training and resources to empower officials in both climate and gender ministries. Effective integration of gender into NDCs and LT-LEDS requires strong coordination between various governmental sectors, and this workshop has targeted a mix of stakeholders to create that space for broad capacity building,” he stated. He further emphasized that involving a diverse group of stakeholders fosters inclusive engagement, enabling a shared understanding of the best approaches to consolidating and providing substantive input for the preparation of NDCs and LT-LEDS.
The workshop featured interactive sessions led by expert facilitators, including presentations, group exercises, and multimedia resources. A significant outcome is the development of a working draft guide on integrating gender into NDCs and LT-LEDS, tailored for each participating country. This guide will serve as a living document for continuous improvement and reference in future climate policy formulation.
Representing the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Chief Conservation Scientist, Ms. Josephine Kakololo said that Namibia has demonstrated leadership through its ambitious NDCs and the development of a long-term strategy to transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. “By integrating gender considerations into our strategies, we aim to ensure equitable access to resources, training and decision-making platforms which in turn promotes women’s leadership in climate governance at all levels” she noted.
The event brought together National Gender and Climate Change Focal Points from various countries in the region, alongside resource persons from partner organizations and subject matter experts. Countries present were Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This collaborative effort is timely as countries prepare their NDC 3.0 submissions due in 2025.
Aina-Maria Iteta, the UNFCCC National Gender and Climate Change Focal Person and the Executive for Business Strategy and Performance Management at the Environmental Investment Fund said “We hope that the effort by the UNFCCC RCC on capacity building will result in comprehensive gender and climate change mainstreaming in all our national climate policies and strategies mostly in East and Southern Africa and as continent so that the most vulnerable groups in our society will be part of this climate change solution both through mitigation and adaptation efforts.”
This initiative aligns with the UNFCCC's Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and its Gender Action Plan, emphasising the importance of engaging women's groups and national gender institutions in developing climate policies. The outcomes from this workshop are expected to significantly contribute to enhancing gender responsiveness within national climate strategies.
About the UNFCCC RCC EAST and Southern Africa
RCC EAS Africa is dedicated to the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Climate Change Agreement. It helps channel local, regional and global resources into climate action, to facilitate the implementation of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, National Adaptation Plans, roadmaps for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other relevant policies and strategies of countries in the region. The RCC provides hands-on support to governments, NGOs and the private sector in Eastern and Southern Africa to develop their mitigation efforts through capacity building, direct technical assistance, and strategic networking - sourcing the know-how and resources to drive clean development.
About EIF
The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) is a fund created by Act 13 of 2001 of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia with the overall aim of continuing this great legacy by supporting individuals, projects and communities that ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. The EIF is building a sustainable fund that supports a variety of new and existing initiatives in the country. In doing so, we create partnerships with NGOs, Government, community-based organisations and the business community to ensure that our projects are well–positioned in the socio-economic and environmental tapestry of development, and to guarantee the buy–in of our local and international stakeholders.
For further information, please contact:
Media Contact
Nicole van Wyk
Corporate Communications Officer
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia
Tel: + 264 81 2874465
Email: nvanwyk@eoif.org.na
Gender-Related Matters
Aina-Maria Iteta
Executive: Business Strategy and Performance Management
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia
Tel: +264 81 2739035
Email: aiteta@eif.org.na
UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre for East and Southern Africa
Maclina Birungi
Climate Action Specialist
Tel: +256 772453638
Email: mbirungi@unfccc.int
