Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, has emphasized the need for climate-related policies to take an inclusive, equal, equitable gender approach. In her keynote address at the Women 20 (W20) Summit, Irani stated that climate change and gender are interconnected, and women should be at the heart of climate justice. She also emphasised the need for all climate policies to consider gender equity.
Irani praised W20 for focusing on gender equity and presented women’s role in Climate Resilient Action as a key focus of G20 under India’s presidency. She cited a Tamil literature text, Tirukkuraḷ, which states that Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction, It is an inner fortress that enemies cannot destroy.
She applauded W20’s recommendations on priority areas and its commitment to transforming, thriving, and transcending through women-led development. The summit is taking place in Mahabalipuram, known not only for its historical significance but also for its connection with empowered women.
Irani reiterated that women and children are most at risk of climate change, as reflected in the UN’s 2018 report, which stated that 80% of those displaced due to climate change were women. Therefore, she emphasised the importance of incorporating gender equity into all climate policies.
In conclusion, Irani’s keynote address at the W20 Summit highlights the need to prioritize gender equity in climate policies, acknowledging the interconnectedness of climate change and gender. Her speech calls on policymakers to take an inclusive, equal, equitable gender approach in all climate-related policies to ensure that women are at the heart of climate justice.
