Gender, equality and inclusion for a just transition in climate action

Climate change has far-reaching repercussions for the world of work in terms of loss of jobs and incomes, increased safety and health risks, and declines in productivity. Women and men will be impacted differently, and groups in situations of vulnerability or exclusion and disadvantage are likely to be hit the hardest. Without deliberate gender-responsive and inclusive measures, climate impacts could exacerbate existing inequalities and decent work deficits and become an additional driver of growing societal and economic injustice.

A transition to a low-carbon economy presents opportunities for employment generation and social inclusion, but challenges are also involved. A just transition means promoting environmentally sustainable economies in a way that is inclusive and gender-responsive, by creating decent work, by reducing inequalities and by leaving no one behind. A just transition is also an opportunity to recognize the value of care work and to invest in public care infrastructure and services as part of just transition processes, thereby advancing gender equality in the world of work.

This policy guide aims to contribute to understanding and acting at the connection between climate change, gender, equality and inclusion, and decent work. It is designed to support governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, women’s groups, and other stakeholders with policy insights derived from practices that are contributing towards a gender-responsive and inclusive just transition. The guide is based on international labour standards and embeds a people-centred and rights- and needs-based approach to a just transition. It elaborates on the ILO’s nine just transition policy areas and provides concrete examples of entry points for action. Overall, it calls for an integrated approach and for policy coherence, with women’s full participation in decision-making processes and implementation.