Row over definition of gender' hangs over Cop30 plans to support women

"A row over the definition of the term gender threatens to bog down pivotal talks at the Cop30 climate summit. Before the UN talks in Brazil, hardline conservative states have pushed to define gender as biological sex over their concerns trans and non-binary people could be included in a major plan to ensure climate action addresses gender inequality and empowers women. Gender rights advocates said the move would backslide on decade-old language within the UN system."

"These are unprecedented times to negotiate on gender equality and women's empowerment, said Lorena Aguilar, the executive director of the US-based Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls, and Costa Rica's former vice minister for foreign affairs. There are some countries that want to push us back to 30 years ago. But we will not accept anything less than what we already have."

"Climate change amplifies inequalities, making the most disadvantaged and marginalised people also the most vulnerable and least likely to be able to adapt. Women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate breakdown, often because of their caring responsibilities and lack of power in society. In the climate negotiations, gender talks aim to address men's and women's different experiences of climate change, and countries have interpreted the discussions based on their national laws and cultural contexts."

A row over the definition of gender threatens pivotal Cop30 talks as hardline conservative states push to define gender as biological sex, aimed at preventing inclusion of trans and non-binary people in the gender action plan. Gender rights advocates warn such a change would backslide on longstanding UN language. Countries are due to agree a gender action plan to mainstream women's experiences in climate action and make climate policy more inclusive. Climate change amplifies inequalities, leaving the most disadvantaged least able to adapt. Women are disproportionately affected because of caring responsibilities and lack of power. Backlash and national interpretations have led Argentina and Paraguay to seek footnotes in preparatory notes.

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