Enhancing women’s inclusion in climate change governance: a case study of the Chyulu REDD+ Project in Kenya

While REDD+ projects aim to improve community livelihoods and forest governance, implementation often overlooks entrenched socio-political dynamics shaping equity and effectiveness. A critical gap remains in understanding how power relations and gender inequalities influence outcomes. Gender inclusion is frequently treated as a procedural requirement rather than confronting structural exclusion. This study applies an ecofeminist analytical lens to the Chyulu Hills REDD+ project in Kenya, examining the linked subordination of women and nature. Findings from nine key informant interviews and six focus group discussion show that while 78% of women participants reported earning additional income through project activities, governance outcomes remain weak. Women’s voices are marginalised, with only 12% reporting their suggestions being taken seriously in committee meetings. Benefit-sharing is inequitable, and inconsistencies between policy and practice create loopholes. The study connects these governance failures to feminist political ecology, showing that structural power dynamics undermine equitable and effective REDD+. The research concludes that achieving climate and forest governance goals requires moving beyond tokenistic gender inclusion towards transformative approaches that dismantle inequalities and position women as central environmental decision-makers in practice.