Combatting the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change in the MENA Region

Introduction

As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region finds itself at the heart of this global challenge. Led by NatCen International, and the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, this report reflects key insights from a workshop entitled "Combatting the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change in the MENA Region: Opportunities, Challenges, and Trade-Offs", held on 5-6 October 2023, at the University of Naples L'Orientale. 

The workshop hosted by Dr Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy, Director of NatCen International and Prof. Ersilia Francesca, Professor of Islamic History at University of Naples “L'Orientale”, addressed the social, economic and political impacts of climate change in the MENA region with a focus on the gendered dimensions of those impacts. Drawing on multidisciplinary contributions from climate experts, civil society leaders, and academics, it highlighted the urgency of addressing the gendered impacts of climate change in the region, stressed the role of transformative climate finance, and discussed the scope for complementarity between international, regional and national climate action. This report provides a synthesis of key insights shared during the proceedings of the workshop.

The workshop consisted of 5 key sessions addressing the following subjects: 

• Women’s Leadership in Climate Action
• Climate Financing in the MENA Region: Opportunities and Challenges
• Resistance, Resilience and Climate Adaptation: The Role of International Organisations 
• Community-Based Resilience to Climate Change: Global Experiences 
• Strengthening Data Infrastructure on Women and Climate Change in the MENA Region​​​​​​​