Introduction

The escalating climate crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, and chief among them are women and gender-diverse individuals, whose experiences are shaped by deeply entrenched social, economic, and political inequalities. Recognizing that climate change is not gender-neutral, an intersectional approach is crucial to understanding how various forms of discrimination—based on gender, race, class, disability, and other social categories—converge to exacerbate climate vulnerabilities and limit adaptive capacities. Moving beyond simplistic analyses, this approach illuminates the complex realities faced by marginalized communities, advocating for climate solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and equitable for all. This essential training course focuses on Gender and Climate Change: Intersectional Approaches, equipping participants to drive inclusive and transformative climate action.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate gender and intersectional perspectives into climate change policy, programming, and advocacy. Participants will delve into the differentiated impacts of climate change on diverse genders, learn to conduct intersectional climate vulnerability assessments, and explore strategies for fostering equitable climate resilience. The course will cover topics such as gender-responsive climate finance, women's leadership in climate action, and community-led adaptation initiatives. By mastering the principles and methodologies of gender and climate change with an intersectional lens, participants will be empowered to design and implement climate solutions that address root causes of inequality and contribute to a just and sustainable future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Climate Change Policy Makers and Advisors
• Development Practitioners (Climate Adaptation/Mitigation)
• Gender Equality Specialists and Advocates
• Environmental Scientists and Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Community Organizers and Activists
• Local Government Officials (Environment, Planning)
• Sustainable Development Professionals
• Donors and Philanthropists in Climate/Gender sectors

Course Objectives

• Understand the differentiated impacts of climate change on diverse gender groups.
• Grasp the concept of intersectionality and its application to climate vulnerability.
• Learn to conduct gender and intersectional analysis in climate contexts.
• Develop strategies for integrating gender considerations into climate policies and plans.
• Explore approaches for gender-responsive climate finance and resource allocation.
• Acquire skills in promoting women's leadership and participation in climate action.
• Comprehend the links between gender, climate change, and human rights.
• Identify and address barriers to equitable climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Examine best practices and case studies of intersectional climate solutions.
• Develop an action plan for applying gender and intersectional approaches in climate initiatives.
• Enhance advocacy skills for climate justice and gender equality.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender and Climate Change

• Defining climate change and its global impacts.
• Understanding gender as a social construct and its relevance to climate.
• Differentiated impacts of climate change on women, men, and gender-diverse individuals.
• Gendered roles, responsibilities, and access to resources in climate contexts.
• The importance of a gender perspective in climate action.

Module 2: Introduction to Intersectional Approaches

• What is intersectionality? Origins and evolution of the concept.
• How intersecting identities (race, class, disability, age, sexual orientation) shape climate vulnerability.
• Analyzing power dynamics and systemic inequalities in climate impacts.
• Moving beyond binary gender analysis in climate discussions.
• Case studies illustrating intersectional climate vulnerabilities.

Module 3: Gender and Intersectional Climate Vulnerability Assessment

• Tools and methodologies for conducting gender-sensitive climate vulnerability assessments.
• Collecting sex-disaggregated and intersectional data.
• Identifying specific risks faced by marginalized groups in climate-affected areas.
• Participatory approaches to assessing vulnerability and capacity.
• Mapping climate impacts through an intersectional lens.

Module 4: Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation

• Principles of equitable and inclusive climate adaptation.
• Designing adaptation interventions that address gender-specific needs and priorities.
• Promoting women's traditional ecological knowledge in adaptation strategies.
• Role of women in early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
• Case studies of gender-responsive adaptation projects.

Module 5: Gender-Just Climate Mitigation

• Understanding gendered impacts of mitigation policies (e.g., energy transition, carbon markets).
• Ensuring equitable benefits from renewable energy and green economy initiatives.
• Promoting women's participation in climate technology and innovation.
• Addressing potential negative consequences of mitigation strategies on women.
• Advocacy for gender-just mitigation policies.

Module 6: Gender, Climate Finance, and Governance

• Analyzing climate finance flows from a gender perspective.
• Ensuring women's access to climate finance and green investments.
• Advocating for gender-responsive climate budgeting.
• Promoting women's participation in climate governance and decision-making bodies.
• International climate finance mechanisms and gender considerations.

Module 7: Women's Leadership and Agency in Climate Action

• Highlighting women as agents of change and innovators in climate action.
• Strengthening women's leadership capacities at all levels (local to global).
• Creating enabling environments for women's meaningful participation.
• Role of women's organizations and networks in climate movements.
• Empowering marginalized women to lead climate solutions.

Module 8: Advocacy and Policy for Gender and Climate Justice

• Developing compelling narratives for gender and climate justice.
• Strategic advocacy for integrating gender and intersectionality into national climate plans (NDCs, NAPs).
• Engaging with international climate negotiations and frameworks (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement).
• Building broad coalitions for climate justice.
• Communicating complex issues to diverse stakeholders.

Module 9: Future Directions and Transformative Action

• Emerging research and trends at the intersection of gender, climate, and development.
• The role of feminist movements in shaping climate policy.
• Addressing gender-based violence in climate-induced displacement and disasters.
• Youth engagement and intergenerational approaches to climate justice.
• Developing a personal and organizational action plan for transformative climate action.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training