Gender Equality, Climate Action, and Technological Innovation for Sustainable Development in Africa: Conclusion and Recommendations

Abstract

AbstractExisting policies in developing countries are gender-neutral and do not effectively address gender-related issues and women’s rights protections. Of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 13, climate action, specifically calls for urgent efforts to combat climate change. There are complex and intricate links between the SDGs, and the attainment of one goal is inevitably connected to the achievement of the other. Gender, represented by SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, presents one of the crucial interlinkages due to the gendered effect of climate change. Particularly in Africa, women and children are disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. This concluding chapter presents a cohesive theme and argument based on the findings and discussions in the study, providing policy directions for Africa followed by the appropriate recommendations. The recommendations focus on how Africa can address the impacts of climate change, particularly regarding vulnerable communities, the need for response and protection plans by stakeholders, and the crucial role of technological innovation in mitigating climate effects. Finally, the recommendations in this book provide evidence-based discussions that can lead to more gender-inclusive climate change policymaking, gender integration in climate change planning, and technological innovation for climate change mitigation in Africa. By implementing these recommendations, Africa can achieve sustainable development and ensure that women and girls are not left behind.