Capacity-Building Workshop in Nevis Empowers Women for Climate Leadership

The island of Nevis hosted a pivotal workshop designed to empower women in the fight against climate change, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, gender-responsive strategies. Held on June 12, 2025, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, the Gender and Social-Sensitive Capacity-Building Workshop assembled over 30 key stakeholders representing a diverse range of sectors vital to the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These sectors included energy, agriculture, water, tourism, health, and coastal zone management, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change impacts and the need for a comprehensive approach. The workshop served as a platform to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate gender considerations into climate action, thereby ensuring more effective and equitable outcomes.

Mrs. Shelisa Martin-Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment, welcomed the participants and emphasized the workshop’s crucial role in strengthening institutional frameworks and building capacity across various sectors. She highlighted the initiative as a vital component of broader efforts to ensure successful NDC implementation, stressing the importance of inclusive, evidence-based, and action-oriented planning for the entire Caribbean region. The training aimed to provide participants with the necessary resources to develop and implement robust NDCs, reflecting a deep understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities presented by climate change within the local context.

The workshop offered a dynamic blend of technical instruction and empowerment sessions, covering a wide range of topics crucial for effective climate action. Participants were introduced to the intersection of gender and climate change, exploring strategies for mainstreaming gender into NDCs, conducting vulnerability assessments, and crafting compelling proposals for climate finance. Practical breakout sessions provided hands-on experience, allowing participants to analyze sectoral vulnerabilities and develop concrete next steps for enhancing gender-responsive climate initiatives. This interactive approach facilitated a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between gender and climate change, fostering the development of tailored solutions that address local needs and priorities.

Andrew Satney, National Coordinator of the GCF Readiness Project, underscored the critical importance of incorporating social and gender considerations into climate action, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and knowledge to effectively address the escalating challenges posed by climate change. He highlighted the vital connection between gender and climate vulnerability, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of how climate change disproportionately impacts different groups within society. This understanding is essential for developing targeted interventions that address specific needs and promote equitable resilience.

Expert facilitators, including Christine Young, Managing Director of Green Caribbean Consulting, and Leisa Perch of SAEDI Consulting, led interactive presentations and guided participants through exercises focused on developing short, medium, and long-term action plans for their respective sectors. The breakout sessions were strategically designed to deepen understanding of the gendered impacts of climate change and to promote the development of measurable, practical solutions tailored to the specific local context. This tailored approach allowed participants to develop actionable strategies relevant to their respective sectors, ensuring that gender considerations are effectively integrated into climate action plans.

The workshop was a key component of the broader Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported project, “Strengthening Strategic Framework and Institutional Capacity to Enhance NDC Implementation in St. Kitts and Nevis.” Hosted by the Federal Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the NIA Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Development, and SAEDI Consulting, the workshop represents a collaborative effort to strengthen regional capacity for climate action. This collaborative approach demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing climate change through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, fostering regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. The Nevis workshop was one of several held across the Federation under this GCF-funded initiative, underscoring the commitment to building resilient, inclusive institutions capable of leading the way in climate adaptation and mitigation. The initiative aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and resources to effectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, promoting a sustainable and equitable future for the region.