Assessment tool for gender-responsive SLM technologies reviewed

On 14-15 September 2021, the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) and UNCCD conducted an expert review workshop to fine-tune the jointly developed methodology used to assess gender-responsiveness of the sustainable land management (SLM) technologies.

The event facilitated an exchange between experts and practitioners from a variety of regions and organizations who addressed a number of technical and practical questions including the regional relevance of the methodology as well as the challenges and benefits of its application. Considering the tool’s potential impact on the ground, participants also discussed how it can contribute to tackling the wider gender-related issues as well as what data it could generate to support policy decisions.

The UNCCD Gender Action Plan (GAP) emphasises that gender equality and women’s empowerment are key to the implementation of the Convention. The joint  project on gender-responsive SLM technologies and approaches launched by UNCCD and WOCAT in 2020 focuses on one of the four priority areas for action outlined in the GAP – enhancing women’s access to leading SLM technologies that effectively support UNCCD implementation.