In 8 days, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, better known as Rio +20 will begin. The objective of  Rio +20 is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges. Whilst Ban Ki Moon has recently offered cautious optimism of brokering a deal, others are less confident agreement will be reached. It has been reported that with just over a week to go and only 3 days of formal negotiating left, only 20% of the final text has been agreed.  

How are gender, food security and climate change featuring in the run up to Rio +20?

Climate change remains both an immediate and highly contentious priority with the green economy dominating dissent.  Gender equality is essential in tackling climate change, as demonstrated in the recent BRIDGE Gender and Climate Change Cutting Edge Pack. However with the G77 / China blocking sections of texts which would ensure equal rights for both women and men,  gender equality could be watered down or even omitted from the text in order to reach consensus. Equally with the food crisis in the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions impacting millions of people, food security is a huge priority. The recent Issue Paper on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture though neglects a commitment to gender equality beyond a tokenistic instrumentalist approach. A recent blog by a BRIDGE member demonstrates the importance of gender aware thinking when tackling food insecurity.

As Rio+20  gets underway this story will also track civil society's experiences of Rio +20 and key concerns, events  expectations and reactions. As it stands many gender equality and women's groups have expressed grave concerns about the initial zero outcome document. Whilst gender equality is mentioned in the document it is very much entwined within an instrumentalist approach focusing on women’s role in boosting economic growth, while failing to address the issues of unpaid care work that put additional pressure on women’s time and workload; or the underlying gender inequalities that limit women’s choices and rights. By only highlighting the economic role that women can play Rio +20 will miss the opportunity to put gender equality at the heart of discussions.

The Women's Major group is advocating that the outcome document must go beyond general statements on gender equality to strong commitments to action around issues like women's rights to land, water, food and energy.

Others like the South Centre are suggesting a reaffirmation of all the Rio principles and commitments adopted 20 years ago. The Rio Declaration provided the first international precedent for including the gender perspective in promoting sustainable development. It adopted gender aware thinking in all development and environmental policies and programmes, leading to the promotion of women's effective participation in the proper use of natural resources.   

How to get involved

Whilst many of us cannot attend Rio, we can still get involved and get our voices heard!  BRIDGE will be updating this story before, during and after Rio and would love to hear your views and input. Below are other ways of participating including great discussions hosted by WEDO and a chance to vote on issues you consider important.