Sandra McLeish. Health Systems & Climate Resilience Expert
The path to meaningful climate action is fraught with challenges—structural, political, and social. For women in climate leadership, the obstacles are even more pronounced, compounded by gender biases that persist in both organizational and community settings.
With over 30 years of experience in public health, environmental and climate change management across Latin America and the Caribbean, I’ve had a front-row seat to these systemic barriers. My journey has been shaped by both the frustrations and the triumphs of working in this space, and I’ve learned that integrating gender-responsive approaches is not just helpful—it’s essential for effective and inclusive climate action. In this blog, I share my personal reflections on the challenges women climate professionals face, the strategies that have helped me and others overcome them, and the opportunities I see for building a more inclusive and resilient future.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the stark gender disparities that still exist in the climate field. Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in climate-related sectors. This lack of representation and diversity leads to a narrower range of perspectives in decision-making, ultimately hindering the development of equitable and effective policies.
And it’s not just about being present at the table—it’s about being heard. Too often, the voices of women, especially those from marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change, are absent from the conversations that matter most.
We’re still seeing that women are disproportionately impacted by climate change because of their roles in agriculture, caregiving, and informal economies. Despite our central role in managing natural resources and sustaining livelihoods, many of us continue to face systemic gender biases that block full participation in climate leadership.
In the Caribbean, traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms create additional barriers that hinder the acceptance of women in leadership positions. These challenges are not just professional—they’re deeply personal and emotional. Like many other women, I’ve had to work harder to prove my expertise in male-dominated environments. I have even been paid less for doing the same job as my colleague, a male colleague that I brought into the company. These aren’t just theoretical concerns for me—they are lived experiences.
One example that still stands out: I was once asked by a loan officer to bring in my husband when signing over collateral, even though I was the sole owner of the asset. Encounters like these underscore how deeply ingrained gender biases can be, even in institutional settings.
Gender inequality doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts the success of entire projects and policies. I’ve seen how this plays out in several ways:
Despite the obstacles, I remain hopeful. Over the years, I’ve seen and participated in initiatives that show what’s possible when we invest in inclusive leadership. Here are a few strategies I believe can make a real difference:
Beyond policies and partnerships, I believe we need more supportive resources to help women thrive in this field. This includes: ongoing education, access to technology, mental health support, and an overall shift in how institutions value inclusive leadership.
Ultimately, it’s not just about increasing the number of women in climate leadership. It’s about creating an environment where we can lead with impact, shape solutions that reflect the realities of diverse communities, and build a future that’s more just and resilient for everyone.
The future of climate action in Latin America and the Caribbean hinges on inclusive leadership and gender-responsive policies. My experience has taught me that empowering women in climate leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic necessity, particularly in low income settings. As the climate crisis intensifies, we must ensure that women have the space, support, and resources to lead the way.
This is only the beginning of the conversation. If you’re interested in the work I’m doing or would like to explore collaboration opportunities, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the momentum going—together, we can build a more inclusive and resilient future.
ITACA Solutions is a technical services provider focused on implementing climate adaptation in coastal areas in the Caribbean. Sign up to our mailing list to receive our newsletter with updates about our work, publications, activities and events.