Abstract
The world is gradually moving away from the use of Fossil fuels and unsustainable energy sources that deplete the ozone layer. According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World in 2030 Survey Report 2021, Climate Change and loss of biodiversity are one of the most pressing challenges of the next decade. Climate change effects exacerbate poverty, inequalities, and injustice. It affects men and women yet; climate change action and policies does not factor in a gendered response process that addresses the challenges faced by the most vulnerable groups. The result is that the gender gap continues to widen with women being in a more disadvantaged position, and inequality is stretched to an embarrassing level. The ‘Just Transition’ initiative is part of the strategies to curb the climate change crisis by reducing and phasing out high carbon emitting objects and embracing low carbon factors. Some principles for realizing just transitions to a low-carbon economy are addressing existing economic and social inequalities and ensuring an inclusive and transparent planning process. For the just transition policies to be successful, they must leave no one behind, it must cater for the needs of men, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous people and the vulnerable. Gender must play a vital role in the just transition policy development plan and implementation process for it to be judged successful. This paper analysed the just transition framework in Nigeria and South Africa, to determine the level of compliance with gender principles of inclusion, equity, and equality. The paper concludes that an explicit framework for a gendered just transition is required to ensure that its implementation is equitable. It recommends that an adaptable gender perspective is adopted at the national and regional levels.