The government highlighted the crucial intersection of gender equality and climate action at an April 25 dialogue in Phnom Penh. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN
PHNOM PENH: With global concerns around climate change intensifying, Cambodia’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing the climate crisis in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable for all, especially women.
The Cambodian government, in collaboration with international partners, highlighted the crucial intersection of gender equality and climate action as the nation prepares its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, in a dialogue on Friday (April 25) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phnom Penh.
The dialogue, aimed at integrating gender considerations into Cambodia’s climate action plans, included contributions from key government officials, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is a major partner in supporting gender-responsive climate initiatives.
With Cambodia nearing the completion of NDC 2.0, the event provided a platform for discussions on how gender equality could be seamlessly integrated into the formulation of NDC 3.0, a crucial policy document that will be submitted to the UN Secretariat later this year.
The dialogue included contributions from key government officials, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a major partner in supporting gender-responsive climate initiatives. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN
Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, opened the event by reflecting on the success of the NDC 2.0, a climate action plan running from 2020 to 2025.
“We have included actions aimed at reducing vulnerability, adapting to climate change, and preventing its impacts,” he said.
“In line with our ambitious goals, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44.7 per cent through 190 actions. We have achieved 166 out of 190 actions, or 87 per cent,” he added.
Sophallet also noted that the formulation of NDC 3.0 comes at a crucial time, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
The new plan, which will cover the period from 2025 onwards, will continue Cambodia’s ambitious climate targets.
He outlined the six key sectors to guide the formulation of NDC 3.0: industry, energy, agriculture, forestry, chemicals and waste.
“We have a few months left to submit NDC 3.0 to the UN Secretariat in Brazil,” he said.
“I encourage all stakeholders to engage in this dialogue and contribute ideas to comprehensively address the global climate crisis,” he added.
Women’s affairs minister Kantha Phavi spoke passionately about the importance of equity in addressing the climate crisis. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN
Gender and climate change: A dual challenge
A key theme of the dialogue was the gendered impact of climate change. Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi spoke passionately about the importance of equity in addressing the climate crisis.
She emphasised that while climate change affects everyone, its impacts are felt differently by men and women, with women often bearing the brunt of the consequences.
According to a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), she continued, extreme heat impacts domestic work, leading to health issues such as dehydration. Women, who traditionally take on nurturing, caregiving and educational roles, are especially affected.
“The burden of caring for grandparents and parents living in the same roof, along with increased housework, is growing for women. This also affects labour productivity, as women are forced to focus more on household chores,” Phavi noted.
The informal economy, which is largely outdoor-based, is heavily impacted by high temperatures.
This, in turn, affects 80 per cent of the formal economy workforce across the nation, with 58 per cent of workers feeling the strain.
Heat also impacts women’s health, particularly their reproductive roles and overall quality of life.
“Moreover, rising temperatures are linked to increased irritability, which can lead to both physical and sexual violence against women,” Phavi warned.
Jyotsana Varma delivering her speech. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ ANN
Women as agents of change in climate solutions
While the dialogue focused on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, Jyotsana Varma, ADB country director for Cambodia, reminded attendees that women are not just victims of climate change; they are also powerful agents of change.
“Women play a critical role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts,” she said.
“It is essential to empower them as leaders in the transition to a climate-resilient future,” she continued.
Varma outlined several initiatives where ADB is working to support women’s participation in climate solutions.
She said its impacts – from devastating floods and droughts to shifts in agricultural patterns – disproportionately affect women and girls, often magnifying existing inequalities linked to poverty, ethnicity, disability and location.
“These impacts translate into tangible burdens: threats to livelihoods, increased unpaid care work and heightened vulnerability during climate-related disasters,” she said.
In sustainable marine fisheries, for example, ADB’s projects are helping women who are dominant in post-harvest processing and sales by promoting climate-resilient aquaculture techniques and improving market access.
ADB is also promoting women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, recognizing that expertise in these areas is vital for designing and implementing green technologies.
In Cambodia’s energy transition, Varma highlighted ADB’s efforts to ensure women are not just beneficiaries of renewable energy projects, but also active participants and leaders in the sector.
“Today’s dialogue is a vital platform. It brings together the key sectors and partners – the NDC stakeholders – to collaboratively identify, prioritise and propose concrete strategies for mainstreaming gender into NDC sectors,” said Varma.
“Our work in Cambodia is centered around building a future where women are not left behind, but are central to the green economy,” she added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
