This session will delve into the relationship between the transition to a net-zero economy and gender equality for climate neutrality and resilience, including women’s roles as leaders and sustainability champions. It will explore the impacts of climate change and pollution on women as well as unique challenges women encounter in having their voices heard in addressing these challenges. It will also provide an opportunity to present success stories of how these are being overcome, including through international development co-operation. Additionally, the discussion will focus on dismantling barriers created by deeply entrenched social norms and barriers to equality, highlighting avenues for women to access economic opportunities and leadership roles in advancing green economic activities for climate mitigation and adaptation, and ecosystems protection, at the national, regional and local level.

This session will highlight the gender dynamics in the context of the energy sector's transformation, by dissecting the present landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive energy transition. It will unpack strategies to develop gender-responsive energy policies, ensuring that women are not only bearing the costs of the transition, but are active contributors and beneficiaries of the energy transition. The discussion will further touch upon the economic opportunities and main challenges of women workers participating in the green energy sector.

The digital transformation provides new avenues for the empowerment of women and girls. However, discrimination, negative stereotypes, and social and cultural biases create challenges for women and girls to thrive in a highly digital economy and society. Women and girls are often less likely to pursue or have limited access to educational opportunities in a highly digitalised economy, limiting their career options. Moreover, far fewer women than men engage in innovation or entrepreneurship, limiting women’s impact on the digital transformation. Victimisation online and cyberbullying affects women and girls disproportionately, identified as a significant risk. Difficulties in everyday functioning due to internet or social media use, known as problematic internet and social media use, is also a growing concern, especially for women. This session will therefore explore digital gender divides and mental health risks for women and girls, with a view to identifying priority areas for governments to address through targeted policy initiatives.

Welcoming remarks and networking reception, fostering informal discussions and relationship building.