Ideas worth spreading

Climate action's hidden opportunities for women

1,578,935 views |

Zineb Sqalli |

TED@BCG

• September 2022

Climate action has historically had a gender-neutral lens, but this lack of intentionality allows underlying biases to sneak in and negatively impact women, says gender and climate researcher Zineb Sqalli. Using Vienna, Austria's gender-equal urban planning program as a model for how women can be included in every step of building a green economy, Sqalli offers solutions for advancing both sustainability and gender equality – at the same time.

Climate action has historically had a gender-neutral lens, but this lack of intentionality allows underlying biases to sneak in and negatively impact women, says gender and climate researcher Zineb Sqalli. Using Vienna, Austria's gender-equal urban planning program as a model for how women can be included in every step of building a green economy, Sqalli offers solutions for advancing both sustainability and gender equality – at the same time.

About the speaker

Zineb Sqalli

Gender and climate researcher

See speaker profile

BCG's Zineb Sqalli studies the impact of climate action on gender equality.

Zineb Sqalli, Shalini Unnikrishnan, Nour Mejri, Patrick Dupoux, Robin George, and Younès Zrikem | BCG, 2021 | Article

"Why Climate Action Needs a Gender Focus"

This publication outlines the benefits of having a gender lens in the green economy — for women, the economy and the planet.

Noele Illien | BBC, 2021 | Article

"How Vienna built a gender equal city"

A trip to Vienna to understand how this city has been pioneering a gender equal urban planning approach.

Green Jobs Programme | International Labour Organization, 2015 | Article

"Gender Equality and Green Jobs"

This report outlines the dynamics between green jobs and gender equality, and what needs to be done to ensure women will equally benefit from green employment opportunities.

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