INTRODUCTION

The voices of leaders from vulnerable countries are increasingly calling attention to the systemic injustices in global discussions.

In early 2023, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, responded “you really want me to answer you?” to an interviewer’s question about the responsibility of vulnerable countries to avoid debt and corruption, highlighting the lingering effects of colonialism. Similarly, Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, countered a reporter’s insinuations about Guyana’s commitment to climate mitigation amidst oil exploration by saying “let me stop you right there”, underscoring his nation's dedication to forest conservation.

These incidents underscore a critical point: countries on the front lines of the climate crisis are often held accountable for solving problems they did not create. This highlights the pressing need for climate justice.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIMATE JUSTICE 

According to the United Nations, “Climate justice means putting equity and human rights at the core of decision-making and action on climate change”. This is important because climate related disasters have an adverse and disproportionate effect on the most vulnerable. The Caribbean region is not only acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing intensified hurricanes, rising sea levels, and shifting weather patterns every year; but is also make significant developmental strides despite its colonial history.

The IPCC 2023 synthesis report highlights that “prioritising equity, climate justice, social justice, inclusion and just transition processes can enable adaptation and ambitious mitigation actions and climate resilient development,” but what exactly does this mean?

TURNING THE TIDES OF INCLUSION

It means recognising that these impacts do not affect all communities in the same way. The intersection of gender and the climate crisis creates unique vulnerabilities within the region and across the global south. Women often bear the brunt of climate-induced hardships due to their socioeconomic positions and traditional roles, particularly in ocean sectors.

In many coastal communities, women rely on marine resources for their livelihoods, such as fishing, seaweed farming, and small-scale aquaculture. Ocean due to climate change disproportionately affects these women, threatening their economic stability and food security.  It is upon this backdrop that the Commonwealth Blue Charter published “Turning the Tides of Inclusion - A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors”. As the author of the toolkit, I explored the gender dynamics of key ocean sectors such as marine conservation and restoration, ocean science, fisheries, maritime transportation and tourism. Launched at the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in the Republic of Cyprus, the toolkit produced 10 recommendations including the need for collaborative approaches with men, STEM education and mentorship. 

Held under the theme “‘Driving Resilience, Equity and Skills for an Inclusive Future’” 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (22CCEM) presented a pivotal opportunity to integrate discussions on gender and inclusion within the maritime industries into the broader educational agenda. This aligns with the toolkit recommendations, which highlight the importance of STEAM education and mentorship. By prioritising gender-responsive educational policies and programmes, forums such as 22CCEM can play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges women face in ocean sectors, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable maritime industry.

Leading the tide, on May 18th, the International Maritime Organisation celebrated its International Day for Women in Maritime under the theme "Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety". Celebrating pioneers who have made strides in advancing gender equality in the maritime industry, the first IMO gender equality award was presented to Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou from Cyprus for work with Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) International. The IMO's commitment to gender equality in maritime sectors should inspire other organisations striving to meaningfully advance gender equality in their work.

FROM RECOMMENDATIONS TO REALITY

Implementing the toolkit’s recommendations requires a multi-faceted approach which includes public awareness, capacity building and engaging relevant stakeholders. In my role as Adviser for Gender, Climate Change and Oceans to the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network, I look forward addressing these areas, in the lead up to CHOGM, COP29 and beyond. 

Nafesha Richardson

Adviser, Gender, Climate Change and Oceans

Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network (CBWN)