Pijar Foundation, UNEP and UN Women Advocate for Greater Participation and Access for Women in National Climate Action
- Hilda Halida
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Jakarta, January 27, 2026 – Pijar Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Women, held the launch of a Policy Study titled "Promoting Inclusive Climate Policy for Indonesia through Gender and Human Rights Perspectives," on Tuesday (1/27) at the Heritage Room, Kemenko PMK, Central Jakarta.
This event serves as a pivotal component of the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies program series initiated by UNEP and UN Women in Indonesia since 2023.
The Climate Crisis is Not Gender-Neutral
During the research presentation, researchers emphasized that the climate crisis places a disproportionate burden on women, particularly within vulnerable communities and regions dependent on natural resources. Global studies show that women and girls face greater risks of poverty, health vulnerabilities, and gender-based violence due to climate impacts, while often having limited access to resources, technology, and financing for adaptation.
However, concurrently, women act as key agents of resilience at the family and community levels—managing food, water, and household energy, and organizing social solidarity when disasters strike. If their perspectives and experiences are not represented in policy, the transition to a green economy risks deepening existing inequalities.
"It may be a reasonable expectation when we discuss how climate adaptation and mitigation in Indonesia can benefit from local knowledge and wisdom, and how social cohesion serves as a foundation for building resilience. Climate policies should translate into tangible, real-world impacts." stated Cazadira Fediva Tamzil, Executive Director of Pijar Foundation, in her opening remarks.
Cross-Ministerial and Development Partner Commitment
The policy study launch was attended by key officials across ministries and agencies, including Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, Deputy for Coordination of Quality Improvement for Children, Women, and Youth at Kemenko PMK; Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, Deputy for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA); Nico Barlev Marhehe, Programme Management at UNEP Indonesia; and Edriana Noerdin, Program Director of the Women Research Institute; Iis Yulianti, Head of the Pentahelix Team, Directorate of Preparedness at the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) as well as representatives from ministries and government agencies.
In her remarks, Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum asserted that inclusive, equitable, and climate-responsive national development can only be achieved if policies consciously correct the inequalities experienced by women and vulnerable groups.
"Impact matters. This study candidly shows that women, young people, Indigenous communities, and implementing stakeholders can be key actors in IPUI policy. Yet, their participation is still too often treated as a procedural or administrative requirement, rather than meaningful and substantive engagement. This reflects a lingering assumption that inclusion is simply about who is present, not who is truly heard and involved." added Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum.
Meanwhile, Iis Yulianti, Head of the Pentahelix Team, Directorate of Preparedness at BNPB, emphasized the importance of attention to women as a vulnerable group in the aftermath of disasters. He highlighted that women play a critical role in assisting disaster mitigation and response efforts.
Overcoming Barriers to Adaptation
The lack of access to information, funding, and technology creates major barriers for women and marginalized groups in adapting to climate change. Nico Barlev Marhehe, Programme Management at UNEP Indonesia, emphasized that the key to effective climate action lies in shifting the fundamental perspective on the crisis.
"We must realize that climate change is not merely a technical issue; it is a matter of governance and a social issue. Indonesia is not starting from scratch, as the necessary disaster frameworks and documents are already in place. The real challenge now lies in the implementation and application of these policies," said Nico.
Through initiatives like EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies, women and marginalized groups are supported to meaningfully engage in climate decision-making spaces, while also strengthening their access to information, finance, and technology needed for climate adaptation.
The study's findings have been summarized into policy recommendations and a roadmap addressed to relevant ministries/agencies, local governments, and development partners. Key proposals include:
The availability of minimum standards for gender-disaggregated data in adaptation and mitigation programs.
Strengthening mechanisms for the meaningful participation of women and vulnerable groups in climate planning forums.
Integrating gender and human rights perspectives into the national climate policy framework, including medium-term development planning and climate budgeting across various sectors.
