When purchasing high-quality carbon credits, buyers are increasingly looking beyond emissions reductions alone. Projects that address climate change and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in highest demand.

Among these, SDG 5: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is particularly critical—serving as a cornerstone for achieving all goals in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

To help buyers evaluate projects effectively, this factsheet provides guidance and due diligence questions for projects claiming gender impacts.

Why Gender Due Diligence Matters (H2)

• Empowering women multiplies impact: Stronger outcomes in health, food security, education, and climate resilience.
• Verified results build credibility: Independent measurement ensures projects deliver on promises.
• Investors reduce risks: Gender-responsive projects strengthen communities and supply chains.

By applying gender due diligence, buyers ensure that their investments create climate and social dividends.

Key Questions for Buyers (H2)

When assessing a project, buyers should ask:

• Participation: Are women actively engaged in project design, decision-making, and implementation?
• Measurement: Are gender outcomes tracked with recognized frameworks such as the W+ Standard?
• Verification: Are women’s empowerment results independently verified, not only self-reported?
• Benefits: Do women—particularly from vulnerable groups—receive direct benefits?
• Sustainability: Will these impacts last beyond the project’s crediting period?

The Role of the W+ Standard (H2)

The W+ Standard offers a robust, trusted framework for certifying women’s empowerment outcomes. By applying it, projects can:

• Demonstrate measurable gender results.
• Increase confidence for buyers and investors.
• Enhance the integrity and value of carbon credits.

Call to Action (H2)

Buyers have the power to shape the future of climate finance by prioritizing projects that deliver for both the planet and women.

👉 Download the Gender Due Diligence Factsheet PDF

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