On 20 November 2024, CDKN was invited by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation to present a session on Mainstreaming Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Climate Action’ at the “Workshop on Building Climate Resilient Cities: From Planning to Implementation in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. 

In an insightful technical session on implementing climate action in Indian cities, Anuradha Adhikari, Country Engagement Lead for India at CDKN Asia, highlighted that integrating gender considerations ensures that the benefits of climate action are equitably distributed among all vulnerable groups. Leveraging traditional knowledge from local communities was also underscored as a key factor for effective and inclusive climate action.

Key steps for integrating gender inclusivity in climate action starts from identifying the various socio demographic group and understanding the specific challenges they face. Reinforcing the idea that these marginalized groups can also come forward as agents of change, nation-wide examples were cited where they have been or potentially could be involved in climate action planning and implementation (e.g., incorporating waste pickers into formal recycling systems). Going beyond planning and implementation, monitoring indicators should also have a scope to evaluate the impacts of climate action on these groups.

By prioritizing inclusive solutions and valuing community knowledge, we can ensure climate action is equitable, effective, and leaves no one behind. 60 participants attended the session, which comprised of municipal corporations, educational institutes and civil society organizations.