Gender Caucus: Enhancing women herders and pastoralists’ contribution to stewardship and resilience

Background

Recognized by decision 24/COP.15, the UNCCD Gender Caucus is a multistakeholder platform that supports implementation of the UNCCD Gender Action Plan and advances gender-responsive action across the Convention.

At COP17, the Gender Caucus will highlight the essential contributions of women pastoralists and herders to sustainable rangeland management and dryland resilience.

Women and girls make up nearly half of pastoral communities worldwide and play a central role in land stewardship, biodiversity conservation and the transmission of traditional knowledge. However, their leadership and contributions remain insufficiently recognized and they continue to face barriers to accessing land, resources and markets and participating in decision-making.

Against the backdrop of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 and the COP17 theme, “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”, the Gender Caucus will celebrate the achievements of women pastoralists, reflect on progress in advancing their leadership and participation and explore ways to strengthen their role in building more resilient pastoral systems.

Session structure and key topics

High-level opening segment

High-level representatives will set the scene for the discussions and highlight the importance of advancing the leadership and participation of women pastoralists and herders.

Thematic panel discussions

• The Kathmandu Declaration – 15 years of women pastoralists’ mobilization. This discussion will focus on the outcomes of the Second Global Gathering of Women Pastoralists (MERA+16), including the Kathmandu Declaration, which builds on the commitments of the Mera Declaration. Participants will reflect on progress over the past 15 years, remaining challenges and opportunities to strengthen the voice, leadership and rights of women pastoralists in policy and decision-making.
• Women entrepreneurs and innovators in pastoral and rangeland systems. This discussion will highlight women driving innovation and entrepreneurship across pastoral and rangeland systems. Experiences from different regions will demonstrate how their leadership and innovation can strengthen pastoral livelihoods, create economic opportunities and support the sustainable management and restoration of rangelands.
• Interactive dialogue. Parties, observer organizations and other stakeholders will be invited to ask questions, share national experiences and perspectives and deliver brief statements on the themes discussed. The dialogue will provide an opportunity to highlight good practices and identify priorities for advancing the leadership, rights and meaningful participation of women pastoralists and herders in implementing the Convention.

Expected outcomes

The Gender Caucus is expected to strengthen the visibility and recognition of women pastoralists and herders as key actors in sustainable rangeland management, land restoration and resilient rural livelihoods.

By bringing together high-level representatives, pastoralist leaders, innovators and practitioners, the event will highlight women’s diverse roles in pastoral systems and the importance of supporting their leadership, knowledge and economic activities.