To mark a week of events to celebrate International Women’s Day, on 5th March 2024, Westminster’s Centre for Social Justice Research (CSJR) hosted an event to discuss the dual space women occupy as both vulnerable populations as well as powerful allies for environmental conservation and policy reforms in relation to climate change.
The event titled ‘The Role of Women in Sustainable Development: Gender-responsive Approach to Climate Change’ was designed to encourage conversations between researchers and policymakers, with members of the public given ample opportunity to contribute and ask questions. During the event, there were discussions on strategies that both combat climate change and simultaneously safeguard and empower women, especially in environments where they face heightened vulnerability to violence. The event culminated in a networking session and informal discussions, offering attendees a chance to discuss the day's insights in a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights of the event was the opening speech by Jeyran Rahmatullayeva, Chief of Staff of the State Committee for Family and Women Affairs in the Republic of Azerbaijan, setting the stage for an exploration of women’s role in addressing climate issues. Ms Rahmatullayeva highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of climate issues in a way that fully include women’s perspectives. She also mentioned Azerbaijan’s upcoming role as the host for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), one of the most important climate events of the year.
Following this, insights were shared by the Guest Speaker, Dr. Elgun Safarov, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Dr. Safarov, with his extensive background in human rights and women’s rights advocacy, emphasised the importance of a robust and gender-inclusive approach to tackling environmental challenges. His talk emphasised the critical need for an approach to climate change and justice that not only considers the vulnerability of women in the face of climate change but that also protects them. Dr. Safarov also highlighted the essential link between human rights protection, justice, and equality in advancing women's rights and called for a justice system that benefits all equally.
Finally, Dr. Yemisi Sloane, a criminologist at the University of Westminster known for her research on decolonial approaches to gender-based violence in marginalised communities highlighted the complexities of gender-based violence within the context of climate change. Dr Sloane explained the need for a critical understanding of the intersections of power, identity, and resistance, urging for a comprehensive approach that acknowledges how these factors shape the experiences of women. She stressed the importance of an inclusive response to the climate crisis that does not exclude women and that also acknowledges their contributions to climate justice.
The event was chaired by Farid Adilov, a PhD researcher from the University of Essex, whose research adds a very crucial perspective on the role of women parliamentarians in promoting gender-sensitive policies. Mr Adilov’s extensive experience in international relations prior to his PhD, enabled him to brilliantly facilitate a dialogue that enabled attendees, both on-site and online, leave with a renewed understanding of the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to climate change and justice.
This CSJR supported event reinforced the centre’s dedication to leading in socially responsible research. By seamlessly connecting academic research with policymaking, the event established a new benchmark for discussions on climate change and gender equality.
Find out more about the Centre for Social Justice Research (CSJR) at the University of Westminster.
