Women as Catalysts for Change

On 8 March 2025 we celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation - youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls - as catalysts for lasting change. Therefore, the UNEP/MAP and MedProgramme prioritize women's and girls' rights and leadership in climate action and environmental protection in the Mediterranean region, building capacity for gender mainstreaming across programme activities. 

For the occasion of International Women’s Day and this season’s newsletter, some of the women working on the ample variety of projects under the MedProgramme, gave us an inside into their work and how this supports women and girls across the board.

Gender Equality as a Global Commitment

Gender equality is a core commitment of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive market economies. In 2015, EBRD adopted its first Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality (2016-2020) to mainstream gender considerations across its operations. This was was followed by a second Strategy (2021-2025), scaling up efforts to address emerging challenges and ensure gender equality. All EBRD investment projects undergo gender screening to guarantee alignment with the EBRD’s gender equality strategy, securing meaningful participation and equitable benefits.

"By incorporating gender-sensitive strategies, we ensure that both women and men play a key role in environmental sustainability."

Olivia Becher & Hande Yükseler

Inclusive and Equitable Solutions for All

Recognizing the distinct roles, responsibilities, and access to resources of women and men within the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, the project integrates gender considerations to address disparities throughout its implementation. By fostering constructive dialogue and actively engaging all relevant stakeholders, we identify challenges and opportunities to advance gender equality. This includes amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, removing barriers to their participation, and embedding gender-sensitive recommendations into policies and practices. The result: more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders

"Gender equality is fundamental to achieving sustainable natural resources management."

Barbara Tomassini

Advancing Pollution Reduction Investments in the Mediterranean 

The Mediterranean Pollution Hotspots Investment Project focuses on reducing pollution in vulnerable coastal areas. This project aligns with the National Action Plans under the Strategic Action Programme for the Reduction of Land-Based Pollution.

Following the completion of regional measures in December 2023, efforts now shift toward implementing national policies, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into environmental initiatives. The National Action Plans will be formally adopted at the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP 24), advancing protection of the Mediterranean marine environment.

“By investing in sustainable pollution reduction strategies, we are not only safeguarding marine ecosystems but also securing a healthier future for Mediterranean communities."

Olfat Hamdan

Integrating Women into the Blue Economy

The FishEBM Med Project promotes the active involvement of women in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. Recognizing that women play a crucial role in the blue economy, the project highlights their contributions through research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building for scalable solutions.  

"Integrating women into the sustainable management of marine ecosystems is essential for resilience and equity."

Cyrine Bouafif, Emna Derouiche and Dorra Maaoui

Advancing Gender-Responsive Marine Conservation in Libya

The project in Libya is committed to promoting gender-responsive governance in marine conservation. By ensuring active participation from local communities and Civil Society Organizations, the project strengthens women's roles in environmental decision-making. Through capacity-building programs and participatory platforms, the initiative aims to make marine conservation efforts more inclusive and sustainable. 

"We strive to build a future where biodiversity conservation and gender equality go hand in hand for a resilient Libya."

Yaprak Arda

A  Future Vision: Women’s Empowerment in the Socio-Economic Sphere

As part of the MedProgramme’s commitment to gender equality, the programme will embrace women’s empowerment in the socio-economic sector. This holistic approach will be embedded in an updated MedProgramme Gender Mainstreaming Strategy, ensuring that gender equality is considered in all aspects of project implementation.

"We must address gender equality across all segments of project planning and execution to create lasting change."

Senem Elçin Berber

About the project: 

The Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and launched in 2020, is dedicated to 'Enhancing Environmental Security' across ten countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. Led by the UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) with support from UNEP and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the MedProgramme collaborates with reputable partners such as UNESCO/IHP, European Investment Bank (EIB), IUCN Med, GWP Med, WWF Med, Plan Bleu, PAP/RAC, SCP/RAC, and SPA/RAC.

This initiative aims to alleviate major transboundary environmental stresses in coastal regions while bolstering climate resilience, ensuring water security, and enhancing the well-being of coastal communities. Emphasizing gender mainstreaming, the MedProgramme strives for equitable environmental management that benefits both women and men.

Building upon previous endeavours like the MedPartnership, ClimVar and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) GEF projects, the MedProgramme leverages enriched knowledge and understanding of the Mediterranean environment. It comprises eight Child Projects designed to deliver complementary outcomes, aligned with the priorities identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Mediterranean Sea. A detailed list of all Child Projects and the executing partners is available on the UNEP/MAP website. 

For more information, please contact Nina Baijens: nina.baijens1@un.org

Worbs by Nina Baijens. Photo cover: UNEP