From 2016-2018, Youth Lab, in partnership with FES, hosted an annual Young Feminist Roundtable on Climate Change. The intersection of gender and climate change is a critical issue, particularly in the Global South, where women often bear the brunt of climate impacts. 

This two-day roundtable aimed to delve into this complex relationship, empower young women, and foster collaboration on climate action. By bringing together young women from diverse backgrounds, the roundtable provided a space for knowledge sharing, skill-building, and strategic planning.

Research from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and UN Women, has consistently shown that climate change disproportionately affects women, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Key themes explored at the roundtable included:

• Care Work and Climate Change: Women often shoulder the burden of unpaid care work, including domestic chores, childcare, and eldercare. Climate change can exacerbate these burdens, as women may be forced to spend more time on tasks like water collection and fuelwood gathering.

• Land Rights and Climate Resilience: Women's access to land and resources is crucial for climate resilience. However, discriminatory land tenure practices and limited access to credit and technology can hinder women's ability to adapt to climate change.

• Climate-Induced Migration and Displacement: Climate change is increasingly leading to displacement and migration. Women and girls are often particularly vulnerable during these processes, facing risks of violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.

The roundtable celebrated the leadership of young women in the climate movement. Participants shared their experiences and insights on a range of climate-related issues, including:

• Renewable Energy and Just Transition: Young women are actively involved in promoting renewable energy solutions and advocating for a just transition to a low-carbon economy. They are working to ensure that the transition is equitable and inclusive, addressing the needs of marginalised communities.

• Climate Education and Awareness: Participants discussed the importance of climate education and awareness-raising campaigns. They emphasised the need for inclusive and accessible education that empowers young people to become agents of change.

• Community-Based Climate Action: Many young women are leading community-based initiatives to address climate change, such as sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and reforestation. These initiatives not only mitigate climate impacts but also empower communities and create sustainable livelihoods.

The roundtable explored the role of feminist climate policy in addressing the gendered dimensions of climate change. Key themes included:

• Gender-Responsive Climate Policies: Participants discussed the importance of gender-responsive climate policies that address the specific needs and priorities of women. These policies should include measures to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure women's participation in decision-making processes.

• Climate Finance and Gender Equality: Participants highlighted the need for increased climate finance to support gender-equitable climate action. This includes investments in women-led initiatives, gender-sensitive climate projects, and capacity-building for women.

• Climate Justice and Social Equity: Participants emphasised the importance of a just transition to a low-carbon economy. This transition should prioritise the needs of marginalised communities, including women, Indigenous peoples, and low-income households.

The Young Feminist Roundtable on Climate Change proved to be a pivotal platform for young women to coalesce, acquire knowledge, and inspire one another. By illuminating the gendered dimensions of climate change and empowering young women to take decisive action, the roundtable significantly contributed to the advancement of a more equitable, just, and sustainable future. The event served as a catalyst for fostering a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, while simultaneously promoting gender equality and social justice.