The EU Mutual Learning Programme in Gender Equality – The synergies between gender equality and climate action – The Netherlands – 21-22 February 2024

The Mutual Learning Seminar brought together government representatives and gender experts from 14 EU Member States, EIGE and the Nordic Council to discuss good practices from the Netherlands and Slovenia on the synergies between gender equality and climate action. The seminar discussed ways to achieve a transformative approach to ensure a green and gender-equal future. The discussions covered several key gender equality topics, notably the importance of gender-disaggregated and intersectional data, enhancing the role of women in STEM subjects and jobs, and promoting women’s leadership in ensuring a gender-equal just transition.

The Dutch presentation focused on the integration of gender equality into climate and energy policies, specifically looking at gender mainstreaming actions and initiatives on a just transition under the Climate and Energy Programme (2022-2025) (Ministry for Education, Culture, and Science). The Slovenian presentation focused on the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change and the small but significant steps that range from initiatives on energy poverty to enhancing the role of women beekeepers. The seminar also discussed initiatives addressed under the Nordic Council’s green and gender-equal policies. The seminar discussions provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange strategies and further initiatives at the national level in moving towards a transformative approach and in embedding climate justice. The discussions acknowledged the significant challenges and opportunities involved and the need to strengthen awareness of gendered and intersectional impacts so that women and other disadvantaged groups are not left behind. Key issues include the importance of building capacity on gender mainstreaming in order to achieve gender-responsive and gender-transformative policies on just transition; addressing gaps in gender-disaggregated data and ensuring a multi-layered approach across government; building new and innovative measures to support women’s participation and retention in STEM careers; and active strategies to support and promote on women’s political leadership.