t the heart of the climate crisis there is undeniable inequality. Its impact is not spread equally. Women, particularly in low-income and marginalised communities, bear a disproportionate burden of climate-induced poverty, displacement and violence.

The United Nations estimates that 80 percent of climate-displaced individuals are women and girls. This highlights their vulnerability in the face of escalating climate disasters. By 2050, an additional 158 million women and girls are expected to fall into poverty due to climate change; 236 million will face food insecurity. At COP29, these harsh realities were hard to ignore. That is why sane voices demanded gender-responsive climate finance. Will the commitments made translate into meaningful action, or are they just symbolic gestures?

The relationship between climate change and gender inequality is expressed in many ways. Economic losses from floods, droughts and storms disproportionately impact female-headed households, often stripping them of their already insufficient resources. Health risks during pregnancy increase by rising temperatures, leading to complications such as pre-term births and hypertension. Meanwhile, resource scarcity drives gender-based violence, including child marriages and early pregnancies, as families grapple with survival.

The disproportionate effect of climate disasters is well documented. During the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 70 percent of fatalities were women and girls. Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar saw a similar pattern, with 61 percent of the dead being women. These patterns reflect not just biological vulnerabilities but also systemic inequalities that limit women’s access to early warnings, transportation and resources during crises.

COP29 marked a critical moment for advancing gender equity in climate action. Delegates adopted the Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender, which outlines a 10-year strategy to address gender disparities in climate governance. This framework emphasises gender-disaggregated data collection, capacity building and women’s participation in decision-making. A revision of the Gender Action Plan is scheduled for COP30 next year, providing an opportunity to measure progress and refine priorities.

The New Collective Quantified Goal, mobilising $300 billion annually for developing nations by 2035, presents an important opportunity to channel resources towards women-led initiatives. The Loss and Damage Fund, designed to assist countries facing the harshest climate impacts, must also integrate gender perspectives into its governance to ensure equitable access for marginalised groups.

Encouragingly, 97 percent of National Adaptation Plans now incorporate gender considerations, compared to none in 2018. Nearly one-third clearly refer to gender responsiveness, reflecting a growing recognition of women’s central role in climate resilience. A significant shift is occurring in Nationally Determined Contributions, where countries are increasingly aligning their commitments with international gender equality standards.

Despite these advances, systemic barriers threaten to slow down the progress. Women remain severely under-represented in climate decision-making. At COP29, only 8 out of 78 world leaders were women, highlighting the exclusion of diverse voices from critical negotiations. Similarly, women accounted for just 34 percent of national delegates, a figure that has stagnated over the last decade.

Structural barriers in many developing nations further limit progress. Weak institutional capacity, lack of gender-disaggregated data and limited funding for local women-led initiatives hinder the effective implementation of gender-responsive policies. Without robust accountability mechanisms, there is a risk that funds allocated under the NCQG or any other financing mode may fail to reach the women who need them most.

While much of the discussion centres on women’s vulnerabilities, it is equally important to recognise their role as agents of change. Across the globe, women are leading innovative climate resilience efforts. In Kenya, women-led agricultural cooperatives are adopting climate-smart farming techniques to combat droughts.In Bangladesh, grassroots women’s groups have designed and implemented flood-resistant housing for their communities. In India, self-help groups are driving renewable energy adoption, providing sustainable livelihoods and reducing emissions. In interior Sindh, women-led village development councils are playing an important role in making their neighbourhood climate resilient.

These examples highlight the women’s potential to shape transformative solutions when given the necessary resources and support.

COP29 is over. It’s up to governments now to turn the promises into real action. To make climate finance work for everyone, countries need to set aside a portion of funds specifically for women-led projects. They must also ensure these funds are used well by tracking and reporting their impact. Climate plans should pay special attention to the needs of Indigenous women, women with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

It is also crucial to involve more women in decision-making about climate policies. Governments should aim for equal representation of men and women in leadership roles and partner with local organisations to make global policies, like the Enhanced Lima Work Programme, useful and practical in their communities. These steps will help ensure that no one is excluded from solutions to climate challenges.

COP29 laid the groundwork, but its success will depend on how seriously countries act. Gender equality isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s essential for solving the climate crisis. Women are already leading the way in many places. They need the support to do more. The fight against climate change will only be won if it is fought together.

The writer is a gender and climate specialist at Sustainable Dvelopment Planning Institute