Foreword

This report offers policy advice to Greece on building interlinkages between its national environmental policies, and gender equality policies, under the gender-environment nexus. It builds on a related report, Gender and the Environment: Building Evidence and Policies to Achieve the SDGs (2021), which explored the links between gender equality and environmental sustainability in the context of Agenda 2030, applying an integrated policy framework taking into account both inclusive growth and environmental considerations.

An integrated approach to gender equality and environmental sustainability could help to improve women’s economic empowerment and enhance women’s roles in environmental sustainability and green growth. Likewise, enhancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and decision-making can lead to better environmental and climate outcomes and policies. Taking into account the specific needs, preferences and well-being of women, as well as their position due to intersectional factors related to environmental and climate policies, helps to identify the trade-offs and complementarities between gender equality and environmental goals. Gender mainstreaming in environmental policies could also lead to transformative actions supporting women’s economic empowerment.

This report assesses environmental and climate policies through a gender lens, and gender equality policies through an environmental lens. It focuses on policies and measures that could support women’s economic empowerment in environment-related sectors; women’s environmental leadership and decision making; and mainstreaming gender equality and environmental sustainability in policy tools. It proposes a series of recommendations that, if taken on board, could support integrating the gender-environment nexus into Greece’s national policies.

The OECD gratefully acknowledges the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for financial support and co-operation in providing information and facilitating contacts inside and outside government institutions. A special appreciation also to the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy for the information provided.

The author of this report, and overall co-ordinator, is Dimitra Xynou (OECD Environment Directorate). Sara Ramos Magaña and Helene Bendig provided background research (OECD Environment Directorate). Kumi Kitamori, Acting Environment Deputy Director, and Sigita Strumskyte, Co-ordinator, Sustainable Development & Gender, provided oversight and guidance. Preparation of this report benefited from review and comments from Willem Adema, Valentina Patrini (ELS) and Jacobo Garcia Villarreal (GOV). Amelia Smith (OECD Environment Directorate) provided editorial advice. Beth Del Bourgo and William Foster provided communications support.

The OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance reviewed a draft version of this report, which was also shared with the Working Party on Gender Mainstreaming and Governance, and the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee. It was declassified by the Environment Policy Committee after being shared for information.