Bridging The Gap: How Women Are Driving Climate Policy and Sustainable Development

This review article focuses on the leadership of women in climate change policy and sustainable development from, a gender perspective. As vulnerable victims of climate change, women have assumed leadership roles in climate-related decision-making processes at the community, state, and global levels. Using the examples of cases and global programs, the article also reveals how women contribute to sustainable development, gender-sensitive climate change action, and equal opportunities for addressing environmental issues. The participation of women in the environmental movements that include the Chipko, and the Greenbelt movements are also explored, as well as their increasing engagement in international climate change negotiations including the Paris Agreement. However, women are still hampered by structural factors that limit their potential as leaders in climate change because of socio-cultural practices and gender bias. The article seeks for the integration of women in climate governance arguing that gender mainstreaming is important in climate change and sustainable development. It reaffirms the fact that women’s participation in climate decision-making is critical for designing fair and inclusive climate policies that will help create a more equitable climate future.