Antalya climate summit must focus  on gender justice 

When disasters strike, women carry a disproportionate share of unpaid care work: looking after children, older people, household assets and animals. These duties can increase exposure to danger and limit access to relief, income and decision-making. Care should be recognised, supported and shared, never treated as women’s natural duty. Climate justice is not only about who receives finance. It is also about who bears the burden when climate shocks strike and transition policies take effect. Gender inequality is often sidelined in these discussions.

The Lima Work Programme on Gender began at COP20 in 2014. At COP30, Parties adopted the Belém Gender Action Plan for 2026-2034, with five priority areas. COP31 must turn that commitment into action through a funded implementation roadmap, gender-responsive finance that women-led and community organisations can access, measurable progress and regular accountability. 

The just transition must follow the same approach. At COP30, Parties decided to develop a just transition mechanism, but its operational arrangements remain to be agreed. At COP31, governments should operationalise it so it addresses gender inequality, care work, decent livelihoods and social protection across all sectors, with finance and technical support reaching affected workers and communities.

Men and boys have a role too. Challenging harmful norms and sharing care responsibilities should strengthen women’s rights and leadership, not compete with them. COP31 must move from promises to delivery, a funded roadmap for the Belém GAP, meaningful participation, and a just transition mechanism that advances equality in practice. Gender equality is not an add-on; it is how climate action succeeds.