ENERGIA Advocacy Activities and the Rio+20 process ENERGIA Advocacy Activities and the Rio+20 process Gail Karlsson ENERGIA Senior Policy Advisor Bridging the Gender Gap for Development Effectiveness in the Energy Sector 13 December 2011, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Partners on the Women’s Steering Committee: Voices of African Mothers Women in Europe for a Common Future Women’s Environment and Development Organization Women from over 100 organizations have provided input on key issues and strategies ENERGIA is a leading member of the Women’s Steering Committee for Rio+20 This grew out of ENERGIA role as an organizing partner for the Women’s Major Group at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development in on energy and climate change. There are official openings for participation of Women and other “Major Groups”

ENERGIA has developed an innovative approach to advocacy  explaining the links between gender and energy  making recommendations on gender-sensitive policies, projects & activities Organizing steps for UN Commission on Sustainable Development compiled country-specific evidence and recommendations based on national consultations with network members, energy experts, and government officials brought together experts from different countries to work in teams at meetings, with government representatives (including on delegations) supported team members after the meetings in following up on implementing recommendations at the national level.

Strategy 1  Building an adequate evidence base to support recommendations Based on national consultations, network experiences, analyses of projects ENERGIA has worked with partners to produce case studies, toolkits, and training materials on gender and energy. For Rio+20, ENERGIA has provided analysis and recommendations for: Statements at preparatory UN meetings in New York and UN regions March 2011 paper A Gender Perspective on the ‘Green Economy’ November 2011 WMG input for the UN’s “zero draft” Outcome Document Next step for Rio+20 - compilation of successful projects and activities as models of gender-sensitive good practices to attract partners and funding for expansion, scaling up, replication

Strategy 2  Increasing representation of women from developing countries Often there are few women from developing countries at international meetings, either among civil society groups or on government delegations. Being able to obtain funding for travel has been essential for effective team development, lobbying and building relationships with government delegations. For Rio+20 - so far there has been little money for participation We expect funding for travel costs to Rio+20 to be forthcoming under a Women’s Major Group proposal.

Strategy 3  Strengthening links with government officials and partners Relationships with government delegations allow ENERGIA members to -suggest language for governments to include in the negotiated texts -follow up with their governments on integrating gender and energy in policies & projects For Rio+20 - We need to build on our existing relationships with governments to ensure that our priorities are presented during “informal” discussions where only governments are involved We also need to collaborate with partners and networks with similar interests

Results from advocacy Greater awareness of the links between gender and energy issues Inclusion of gender-sensitive text and recommendations in official decisions and statements ENERGIA’s recommendations implemented by governments and institutions through: * Project guidance - at the request of governments and project managers * Adoption of gender-sensitive policies (including through results of gender training and audits) Investments in expanding energy access to provide benefits to women including projects led by women and focused on women’s enterprises

The WMG Steering Committee prepared a joint work plan for Rio+20 Engagement of Grassroots/Local Women: * facilitating outreach and consultations * supporting opportunities for participation and advocacy Policy Recommendations and Advocacy: * compiling and sharing inputs from diverse women’s perspectives * drafting recommendations for action * lobbying policymakers to push for inclusion of recommended text in the outcome document Best Practices: * organizing awards for, and documentation of, grassroots and local women’s contributions to sustainable economies, * attracting funding and support for women’s initiatives

From Africa Regional Preparatory Meeting for Rio +20 Green energy policies must incorporate a gender perspective....most of the 2.5 billion people using traditional biomass for household energy live in Africa. African women play a major role in the collection and management of biomass fuel... Gender-equitable energy policies, legislation and investments could effectively boost women’s opportunities for economic and social empowerment and their ability to contribute to the green economy. We call upon Africa Governments to implement programmes that directly support women’s access to affordable off-grid energy technologies, as well as connections to grid.

From Women’s Input for Zero Draft of Outcome Document Promotion of clean renewable energy technologies and phasing out of unsustainable energy....Investments in access to modern energy are needed for improved livelihoods, education, health services, water and sanitation, education, and transportation. Women need increased access to cleaner, more efficient energy sources and technologies for household use and productive activities, as well as training and education for business development - including designing, producing, marketing and managing new energy products and services....

 2nd Rio+20 Intersessional ( Dec 2011) Review of inputs from stakeholders Basis for zero-draft of outcome document Rio+20 Process Timeline 2011 February March CSD Intergovernmental preparatory meeting March nd Preparatory Committee Meeting October - December Regional Preparatory meetings December Second Intersessional Meeting 2012 January Meeting to discuss Zero Draft Document to be convened, UN, New York February First informal negotiating week on Zero Draft, UN, New York March rd Intersessional Meeting June Final Preparatory Committee Meeting Official Preparatory Process June 2012 RIO + 20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development

Sources for Rio+20 Information and Participation Official UN site for the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development Women's Major Group web page on official UN site Women on the Road to Rio+20 - WEDO interactive info & discussion site CSD Women’s Major Group List Join Rio+20 Steering Committee