UNDERSTANDING BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE UN CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

This research report investigates the factors contributing to the low representation of women in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations, specifically focusing on delegates from the 45 least developed countries (LDCs). Since 2008, women have comprised about one in three delegates, with only 10% of heads of delegation being women, indicating slow progress towards gender parity. The report utilises a gender needs framework to examine women’s participation across governance, education, rights, and leadership and incorporates responses from over 140 surveyed individuals and 28 interviews. Highlighted case studies from Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone illustrate recent policies aimed at improving women’s involvement in negotiations. Despite existing policies supporting gender equality, financial limitations and cultural factors hinder meaningful participation. The report ultimately recommends actions for national governments, the LDC Group and the UNFCCC to enhance support for women’s participation, develop equitable selection criteria, and provide necessary resources, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive representation in climate change decision-making.