For more information contact our Gender team
Gender-responsive climate action fosters collaboration between Commonwealth climate change and gender experts along with all other key stakeholders in the delivery of National Climate Plans.
Main page for this area of work
By Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Acting Head, Climate Change, and Dr Nancy Omolo, Commonwealth Climate Finance Gender Adviser
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Blog: Breaking the cycle - gender equality in climate governance and finance
Today, on International Women's Day, we come together to celebrate the remarkable resilience, contributions and achievements of women and girls around the world.
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International Women's Day Message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General
9 March 2025 to 14 March 2025
(EST Eastern Standard Time)
Event
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Gender Section will host a series of events in New York City from 9 to 14 March 2025 on the sidelines of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), this year’s CSW will focus on assessing progress and challenges in implementing its global commitments to gender equality and women’s rights.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), this year’s CSW will focus on assessing progress and challenges in implementing its global commitments to gender equality and women’s rights.
As we recognise January as Cervical Cancer Awareness month, a recent report from the Commonwealth Secretariat and TogetHER for Health illustrates a vital path towards eliminating cervical cancer in Commonwealth countries.
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New report shows how Commonwealth countries are advancing cervical cancer elimination
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we come together as a global community to reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against all women and girls.
This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to eliminate one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
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Commonwealth Secretary-General’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to eliminate one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
Visionary women leaders from across the Commonwealth came together in Samoa today to make a strong commitment to protecting women and girls from what they call “fully preventable” suffering caused by violence and cervical cancer.
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‘No silence’: Commonwealth women leaders commit to ending domestic violence and cervical cancer
“You challenge the practices and say, ‘We don’t want this’. These are the things, as a man, I’m able to point out: the basic weaknesses… How do gatekeepers open-up to ensure these spaces are inclusive for women?”
Commonwealth leaders are being urged to work harder to get rid of the barriers and biases that continue to hold back women and girls in the 56 member countries.
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Commonwealth leaders urged to work harder to leave no woman behind
The Commonwealth Women’s Forum opened in Samoa today with a call for renewed action on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in the 56 member countries, representing one-third of humanity.
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Commonwealth Women’s Forum opens in Samoa with calls for stronger action on gender equality
“Voices of the Commonwealth” is a series dedicated to capturing these powerful narratives, showcasing the indomitable spirit that unites diverse regions under a shared banner.
Seven years ago, 18-year-old Friana Kwevira, a woman with a disability from Vanuatu, attended a coaching session organised by the Commonwealth Games Foundation. It was an experience unlike any other for Friana, who described it as the first time she felt treated like a human being.
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Behind medals: Inspiring stories of women with disabilities reveal difference opportunities can make
The fourth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in Apia, Samoa, in October between 21-22 October 2024 on the margins of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
A group of ministers, lawmakers, police officers, experts and campaigners have urged Commonwealth countries to use tried-and-tested measures to bring an end to gender-based violence.
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Countries urged to use tried-and-tested measures to tackle gender-based violence
6 June 2024 to 6 June 2024
(BST)
Event
World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, is dedicated to recognising the critical role that the ocean plays in our world. Oceans regulate our climate, provide food and resources, and fosters the biodiversity on which we all depend.
21 October 2024 to 22 October 2024
Event
The fourth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in Apia, Samoa, in October this year on the margins of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
25 April 2024 to 25 April 2024
(BST)
Webinar
Leadership is the focus of this year’s celebration of International Girls in ICT Day.
This toolkit offers practical guidance on how to implement gender-responsive practices in marine conservation, fisheries, maritime transportation and tourism, in order to empower women and gender minorities and unlock the full potential of sustainable blue economies. Based on research and stakeholder consultations, and designed to provide clear guidance on meaningfully integrating gender perspectives into ocean policies and practices through practical guidance and best practices, the toolkit should serve as a valuable resource for it is an invaluable resource for policymakers, organisations and individuals dedicated to advancing gender equity in ocean sectors.
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Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors
In March, leaders gathered in London to highlight the crucial role women play in leadership and decision-making at a time when over half of the world’s population is going to the polls. In her keynote address, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, spoke about a new world reality with women taking on more leadership roles.
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‘Women are determining the world’: the Commonwealth Secretary-General celebrates women leaders
On International Women's Day, we come together with respect and admiration to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in every part of our Commonwealth family.
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2024 International Women’s Day Message by Commonwealth Secretary-General
A new ‘Zanzibar Says NO MORE’ campaign has been launched to put an end to domestic and sexual violence in the Tanzanian island archipelago.
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‘Zanzibar Says NO MORE’ campaign launched to tackle domestic and sexual violence
5 March 2024 to 6 March 2024
(GMT)
Webinar
Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with Women Powering Smart Energy, to celebrate women's achievements in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
As an island nation, Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and, despite recent classification as a middle-income country, pockets of poverty heighten this risk for some parts of society. Recognising this challenge, the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund was established in 2019 as a financial vehicle to deliver climate and environment-related projects and programmes both domestically and across the Eastern Caribbean.
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The SIRF Fund Gender-Responsive Blended Financing Window: Synthesis Report
By Keshav Dash, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor to Tuvalu and Dr. Deepa Pullanikkatil, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor to Fiji
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Blog: Why gender matters in climate finance
10 March 2024 to 10 March 2024
(Eastern Daylight Time)
Event
The fourth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in Apia, Samoa, in October this year during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.