Launch of the Gender, Climate and Environment Observatory: Highlighting Women’s Mobilization Against Climate Change

This event marked the official launch of the Gender, Climate and Environment Observatory, an initiative developed by the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation in partnership with the CHANEL and L’Oréal Foundations.

The Gender, Climate and Environment Observatory: a tool for research and advocacy

The mission of the Observatory is to deepen research on the intersection between gender and climate. It highlights the actions of women and feminist networks engaged in the fight against climate change through the publication of three strategic policy briefs. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach—bringing together the social sciences, biology, and digital technologies—to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and social crises we face.

The Observatory’s work focuses on three key areas:

• Gender equality in international climate negotiations

• Women’s mobilization and resistance to climate change

• Gender equality and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

The impact of climate change on women’s rights

Studies show that environmental crises intensify gender inequalities and pose serious threats to women’s fundamental rights, especially in developing countries. In the face of climate vulnerabilities, women and girls bear a disproportionate share of the burden compared to men (CARE, 2023)[1].

In addition, the lack of gender-disaggregated data and the underrepresentation of women in climate governance bodies are slowing down the ecological transition and exacerbating both environmental and social challenges.

Amplifying women’s voices in climate policy

Despite growing global awareness, women remain largely absent from climate decision-making processes. Too often, they are seen as passive witnesses rather than as key agents of change. The Observatory stresses the need to strengthen women’s networks and encourage their active participation in public debate and international policymaking.

Women in developing countries—who are on the front lines of climate disasters—must have their expertise and experiences fully recognized. In agriculture, for instance, they play a vital role in advancing sustainable practices, yet are frequently overlooked in policy circles.

A call to action for more inclusive climate governance

The panel discussion and the Observatory’s findings highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and the value of lived experience from affected communities.

To move forward, several key areas of action have been identified:

• Strengthen coordination among civil society organizations to influence political decision-makers

• Encourage governments and regional bodies to mainstream gender into climate policies

• Scale up investments from states and multilateral funds to support initiatives that empower women and recognize their expertise

The RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation’s commitment

Keenly aware of the need for an intersectional approach to gender and climate, the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation places this issue at the heart of its mission.

Through its advocacy efforts and the creation of the Women and the Environment Fund, the Foundation actively supports women’s empowerment in the ecological transition, while also backing both local and international initiatives that aim to secure a more sustainable and equitable future.

Moreover, the launch of the Gender, Climate and Environment Observatory responds directly to the recommendations made at COP29 for a stronger gender integration in climate policy. By producing data and in-depth analysis, the Observatory helps bridge existing knowledge gaps and supports inclusive, grassroots action. It provides a first set of responses to key challenges such as insufficient funding and fragmented efforts. This initiative aligns with the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation’s broader advocacy for a more inclusive and effective climate justice agenda.

[1] CARE (2023, November 11), Press kit: Climate Change is Sexist. www.carefrance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Dossier-de-presse-Climate-Change-is-Sexist_compressed.pdf