Demystifying climate finance impacts in small island developing states : Pacific women’s perspectives from Funafuti and Weno

Abstract

The flow of climate finance to the Pacific region is increasing. Existing discourses of climate finance in the region tends to emphasise how Pacific island countries access finance from multiple sources. Assessing whether climate finance addresses gender inequality has received very little attention in the region despite the increased profile of vulnerability of Pacific women to the impacts of inequality and climate change impacts. This article seeks to address this gap. Using the talanoa research approach to draw out the ‘lived realities’ of women in Funafuti (Tuvalu) and Weno (the Federated States of Micronesia), this research attempts to demystify how Pacific women in communities perceive the impact of climate finance on their lives and livelihoods. The study finds that a high degree of disparity exists between climate finance discourse at a community level and at regional and national levels. Addressing this disparity is essential to ensure that concrete and transformative impacts of climate finance are experienced by the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in Pacific communities. The mantra of ‘leaving no one behind’ rings hollow should vulnerable women in rural and remote Pacific communities continue to feel excluded from the benefits of climate change efforts.