Gender considerations of REDD: Statement to be read by WOCAN at the SBSTA Plenary, 12 Dec, 2009, COP 15
Subsidary Body for Scienticifc and Technical Advice (SBSTA) Plenary at the Unitade Nations Climate Change Conference: Copenhagen 15 (COP 15)
REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) provides potential opportunities for positive outcomes for forest dependent communities, but also risks serious negative outcomes, especially for women who rely on forest resources to sustain their families' livelihoods. Current discussions on REDD are very weak with respect to the gender dimensions and to its impacts on rural women who have few or no options to use the forest for sources of fuelwood, livestock feed, medicines, and even food in times of scarcity. It is crucial that this gap be addressed so that the policies, financing mechanisms and consultative processes take full account of the differentiated rights, role and responsibilities of women and men, promote gender equality and equity in REDD policy and practice, and reward women who protect and manage forest resources. Women must be recognized as legitimate and key stakeholders who participate in and benefit equally from all REDD related processes.
This can be done only through a systematic incorporation of a gender perspective to assure that REDD is not only more inclusive, but also more effective, permanent and sustainable, with fewer risks. Standards and guidelines must assure women's equal access to and control over REDD benefits. Gender responsive indicators and targets should be part of performance based funding. REDD projects must comply with international agreements related to women's equal access to land ownership and resource rights, addressed by the Convention to End Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Millenimum Development Goals, the Convention on Biodiversity and others. These agreements underscore the fact that women's rights to land and resources are often not recognized under customary and statutory laws.
Women's networks and groups engaged in forest and natural resource management should be invited into the REDD consultations at the global, national and local levels. Capacity building opportunities must be made available to women to enable their effective participation and full engagement.
The UNFCCC Copenhagen Agreement and related AWG-LCA and SBSTA agreements must incorporate language that supports the integration of gender concerns and provides for mechanisms to support an action plan for women to participate and benefit from REDD initiatives.
From Jeannette Gurung, Director, WOCAN on behalf of WEDO
