Recognizing women’s leadership in climate action

In the aftermath of typhoons, it is often the women who move swiftly, caring for children, coordinating relief efforts, and ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of their communities. When floodwaters rise, they take the lead in efforts to distribute food and mobilize resources. Women bear the weight of recovery, taking charge of rebuilding homes, livelihoods, and lives. Their resilience and leadership are at the heart of the story of climate action in the Philippines.

As we celebrate National Women’s Month this March with the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” we honor the immense contributions of women and recognize the critical role they play in addressing the growing threat of climate change. In the context of an ever-warming planet, where natural hazards become more frequent and severe, women are at the frontlines — both as the most affected and as powerful agents of change.

Around 80 percent of those displaced by climate change globally are women, who are often hit the hardest by the impacts of extreme weather events. Women and children are 14 times more likely to die during disasters. Limited access to resources, decision-making power and early warning systems, as well as their primary caregiving responsibilities, exacerbate their vulnerability.

But vulnerability is only part of the story. Across the country, women in grassroots communities have shown incredible leadership in the face of climate-related challenges.

In San Vicente, Palawan, Nida Collado has led efforts in sustainable forest management through the Macatumbalen Community-Based Forest and Coastal Management Association. Under her leadership, 1,850 hectares of local forests have been replanted and managed, creating sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry and the harvesting of forest products such as honey and rattan.

Similarly, Mila V. Bogñalbal of Tiwi, Albay has strengthened food security through resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods. She has been instrumental in implementing the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture Program of the Department of Agriculture in her village to increase productivity of farmers and fisherfolk while fostering climate-resilient enterprises.

In the housing sector, Maria Vicenta S. Jalandoni employs innovative science- and technology-based climate solutions for social housing. Her efforts in promoting Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology have resulted in the construction of over 1,500 houses in 15 communities across the Philippines.

At the national level, Senator Loren Legarda — a staunch advocate for climate action — has played a pivotal role in crafting climate policies. She championed the Climate Change Act and the People’s Survival Fund Act, which provides the financial backbone for local climate adaptation initiatives.

These women, along with many others, represent the strength of female leadership in climate action and prove that gender does not limit one’s ability to contribute to sustainable development. They show how women empowerment can lead to solutions that benefit the communities.

To ensure that women continue to lead in this fight, gender considerations must be mainstreamed into climate policies and actions. The Philippines has developed roadmaps to integrate inclusive governance in climate adaptation and mitigation.

The National Adaptation Plan, which outlines the country’s strategies for adapting to climate change, incorporates gender-responsive approaches across sectors including agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure. These sectors are particularly important for women, as they are more likely to be affected by climate impacts on food security, water scarcity, and healthcare.

On the mitigation side, the recently developed Nationally Determined Contribution Gender Action Plan 2024 to 2030 focuses on integrating gender and social inclusion into climate mitigation efforts. This plan covers sectors such as agriculture, waste management, industry processes, transport and energy. It aims to ensure that climate actions in these areas are equitable, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs and perspectives of women and marginalized groups.

Through these frameworks, we ensure that climate finance and funding facilities are accessible, and inclusive for women. This also involves recognizing and investing in women’s leadership, ingenuity and resilience, which are indispensable in addressing the climate crisis.

By incorporating gender perspectives into our policies and programs, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have a chance to thrive in a future shaped by sustainable development and climate resilience.

However, beyond these frameworks, specific actions must be taken to truly strengthen gender equality and ensure women’s full participation in climate action.

First, we need to invest in providing them with access to climate-resilient technologies, training, and resources. Expanding support for cooperatives and networks that empower women participation can help scale these efforts.

Second, women’s participation in local disaster risk reduction committees should be mandated, not just encouraged. Capacity-building programs must be strengthened to enable women to lead disaster response efforts, create gender-sensitive evacuation centers, and ensure that women’s health needs are addressed in post-disaster recovery. Local government units must integrate gender considerations into their Local Climate Change Action Plans to ensure that women are at the core of decision-making processes.

Lastly, access to climate finance remains a barrier for many women-led organizations. Supporting private sector investments in women-led climate projects, particularly those that focus on sustainable energy and agriculture, can further strengthen these efforts. The People’s Survival Fund can allocate resources specifically to support women-led adaptation projects in rural and coastal communities.

Women are indispensable in addressing the climate crisis. Their vision, perspectives, knowledge, and strength are crucial in guiding us toward a more resilient and sustainable world.

Let us not only recognize the contributions of women but also support their leadership in climate action. A better tomorrow is possible when women are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, leading us toward a future where both people and the planet can thrive.