How gender inequality exacerbates vulnerability to climate change and how the inclusion of women in decision-making can accelerate the transition toward a sustainable future were the topics of the panel “Women, Climate Change and Power: Closing the Gap for a Greener Tomorrow,” chaired by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the Kopaonik Business Forum. Her interlocutors were the Ambassador of Canada, Michelle Cameron, attorney Katarina Kresal from the international law firm Andersen Global, the Ambassador of Switzerland, Anne Lugon-Moulin, the Regional Director of Mastercard, Jelena Sretenović, and the Communications Director of WWF Adria, Aleksandra Ugarković.

Janković emphasized that it is important that the Kopaonik Business Forum addresses important social issues every year, which, in addition to the economy, concern the achievement of full gender equality as well as other forms of equality. Climate change is not gender-neutral. Although it affects all of humanity, women and girls, especially from marginalized communities, suffer greater consequences, stated the Commissioner. She highlighted that women account for 80% of those displaced due to climate change, face a higher risk of violence, and suffer severe economic consequences, as they make up the majority of the global population living on less than one dollar a day, and they are also 25% more likely to fall into poverty.

The panel participants shared their insights and experiences, showing that countries with higher proportions of women in parliaments adopt more effective climate policies and stricter laws, and that companies with a higher number of women in leadership positions are more active in implementing environmentally responsible practices.
Therefore, it is necessary to create a healthy and stimulating environment that will enable women to be part of the solution, and not merely victims of climate change.