Gender equality is achieved when men and women enjoy equal rights and responsibilities, and when they are given or have access to equal opportunities, regardless of their sex. Efforts to ensure gender equality can apply to men, as well as women. However, given historical discrimination against women, giving specific attention to women is often required to address gender gaps or unequal laws and policies. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both men and women are considered and protected in a country’s policies, laws and regulations.

Failing to address gender considerations could contribute to the marginalisation of women as REDD+ stakeholders and to their exclusion from the receipt of potential benefits from REDD+ activities. The lack of recognition of the rights of all stakeholders could threaten the sustainability of a REDD+ project and create an insecure environment for investors.