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Women and Gender Constituency

Since 2011, the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC) has been recognised as one of the nine official observer consitutuencies within the UNFCCC.

The constituency groups are made up of civil society and non-governmental organisations, and are broadly grouped into businesses and industry organisations; environmental organisations; local and municipal governments; trade unions; research and independent organisations; and organisations that work for the rights of indigenous people; young people, agricultural workers, and women rights and gender advocacy. Each constituency provides a focal points for easier interaction with the UNFCCC Secretariat and individual governments.

GenderCC was fundamental in the formation of the WGC from 2008 onwards. GenderCC founder and board member Gotelind Alber served as focal point during the early years, when the WGC still had provisionary status within the UNFCCC, through to 2014.

The Women and Gender Constituency provides a number of ways for civil society and non-governmental organisations working on women’s rights and gender justice, environmental protection, or both, to influence the annual conferences and shape the UNFCCC. It provides a platform to exchange information between members and with the UNFCCC Secretariat. The constituency also ensures that meetings, workshops and conferences include the participation and representation of women’s civil society and non-governmental organisations which otherwise would not be able to attend.

To find our more, visit the official Women and Gender Constituency website.