18–19 November 2025 | Virtual Meeting
The second Assembly of the Gender & Chemicals Partnership (G&CP) was held on 18–19 November 2025 as a virtual meeting, bringing together 23 representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector. The Assembly marked an important milestone following the formal establishment of the Partnership in November 2024.
Advancing Gender Equality in Chemicals and Waste Management
Opening statements from the G&CP Chair, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) represented by Ms Carolin Zerger, and G&CP Vice Chair, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) represented by Mr Jorge Ocaña, underscored the global and gender-differentiated impacts of chemicals and waste and reaffirmed the Partnership’s role in promoting gender-responsive approaches across policies, programmes and decision-making processes. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared learning and sustained momentum as the Partnership continues to grow.
Progress in 2025
The Assembly reviewed achievements from 2025, including:
- Partnership growth, with eight new partners joining, bringing total membership to 25 organizations plus the Secretariat.
- Strong engagement, including 11 Partners’ Meetings and active collaboration across four Working Groups.
- Project reporting included the development of a Draft Gender Action Plan under the Global Framework on Chemicals, the EURENI capacity-building programme for European chemicals focal points, and the start of the project to develop a Gender & Chemicals Knowledge Platform to strengthen access to data, research and policy tools.
Working Groups and Collaboration
Reports from the four Working Groups—Gender Data & Information; National & Regional Implementation; Education & Training; and International Policy Processes – demonstrated progress in mapping knowledge, developing training concepts, and strengthening gender discussions in major international policy fora. Members emphasized peer learning, cross-sectoral exchange and joint discussions on advocacy strategies as core added values of the Partnership.
Strengthening Participation and Impact
The Assembly discussed results from a membership survey, which highlighted both the benefits of collaboration and challenges related to time, resources and coordination. Participants agreed on the need to streamline activities, clarify Working Group mandates and strengthen communication to enable meaningful participation.
Looking Ahead
Priorities for 2026 include finalizing the Partnership’s Theory of Change, aligning work planning and fundraising efforts, expanding membership, increasing international visibility and planning the first International Conference on Gender and Chemicals.
The Assembly concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to promote gender equality and the empower women and girls in managing chemicals and waste.