Women, Sustainability and Justice: A call for systemic change

As the world faces a critical moment for climate action, it is increasingly clear that the paths to sustainability and justice are intrinsically linked and require the empowerment of women and girls for a systemic change. Without integrating gender equality into sustainability efforts, the goals of the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Agenda 2030 cannot be achieved. The next Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70 in 2026) will be on the theme of access to justice, hence the topic of ensuring a strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers, is essential for discussion.

This session is being proposed during London Climate Action Week (LCAW) to bring together leaders, advocates, policymakers and grassroots communities to explore how women’s leadership and decision-making participation are central to climate resilience, environmental justice, and systemic transformation. The event aims to highlight the essential role of women in driving sustainable, just, and resilient climate solutions and developing not only their capabilities but also those of their families and neighbours with resilience and adaptability to optimise and unlock the potential of each person around them and in themselves.

Therefore, the side event will showcase initiatives, lived experiences and policy recommendations, from diverse local and national communities as inspiration for all of us to support the necessary implementation of international agreements here at home, cascading at the national and local levels.

Panel 1 – Unequal Burdens: Gender, Climate, and the Structures of Injustice.
Understanding the systemic roots of climate injustice and the disproportionate impact on women and marginalised communities and solutions envisioned, with obstacles and achievements.
Elevating women’s leadership and policy innovation with ethical frameworks free of bias for transformational climate action.

Panel 2 – Women as catalysts: Leading systemic change for a just and sustainable future.
Offering a values-based diagnosis of systemic injustice—emphasising the interconnectedness of all people and the spiritual consequences of inequality. Highlight principles as essential foundations for sustainable, regenerative systems—especially in governance and leadership.
This is a call to dismantle unjust systems and build inclusive, grounded pathways, where women lead the transition to a just and sustainable world.