Across its portfolio, the Mitigation Action Facility demonstrates that climate action is most effective when it is inclusive. Projects in transport, energy efficiency, clean cooking and buildings are integrating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into their design and implementation. In doing so, they help ensure that climate solutions also expand opportunities, strengthen communities and address barriers faced by underrepresented groups.
Training women drivers in Nepal’s electric transport sector
The Nepal – Electric Transport project (SET4NPL) is tackling gender inequality in a traditionally male-dominated sector in Kathmandu. In November 2025, the project successfully launched a training programme for 25 women, aiming to support women public transport operators (PTOs) in transitioning to the higher-capacity electric microbus sector.
The programme combined 30 days of car and microbus driving training combined with classroom instruction, bringing together 8 inexperienced drivers and 17 experienced three-wheeler drivers.
The programme’s impact is already extending beyond the training grounds. Awareness is spreading through social media and family networks, inspiring other women to consider careers in public transport. By prioritising women within training pathways, SET4NPL is helping ensure that Nepal’s electric mobility transition is not only low-emission, but also socially inclusive.
Empowering women entrepreneurs in Mexico
The Mexico – SME Energy Efficiency project has empowered women entrepreneurs through a six-month mentoring programme implemented by NADBU A.C., which led to the creation of the Mujeres Acompañando Negocios y Ambientes Sustentables (MANAS) programme.
The initiative engaged 16 women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from Mexico City, Veracruz, and Hidalgo. It aimed to identify barriers to accessing finance while strengthening knowledge of energy efficiency strategies and financial management.
The mentoring programme was organised into three thematic modules: sustainable business models, energy efficiency, and sustainable finance and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). Delivered through expert discussions, practical workshops, one-to-one sessions, the programme also included dedicated space to address wellbeing and shared care responsibilities. The holistic approach helped strengthen business models, support leadership in decision-making and foster collaboration among women-led enterprises.
Educating children on energy efficiency and the role of indigenous women in Guatemala
GESI considerations are also central to the Guatemala – Cookstoves project, which combines climate mitigation with community education.
Five environmental education guides covering climate change, natural resources and efficient energy use — with a focus on improved cookstoves (ICS) — were disseminated in 106 schools with support from the Foundation of Coffee Growing for Rural Development (Funcafé), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN). The guides also highlighted the role of indigenous women and the Maya worldview in the use of improved cookstoves.
In total, 4,218 people including teachers, students and parents were trained. Community participation was further strengthened through mural activities in two educational establishments, engaging 116 participants, including teachers, students and community leaders.
Supporting vulnerable households in Mongolia
The Mongolia – Building Retrofitting project is ensuring that energy efficiency improvements reach vulnerable households. A pilot activity implemented between November 2024 and April 2025 supported residents in three districts of Ulaanbaatar, where most panel buildings are located.
The initiative aimed to help low-income households improve their income and access social welfare programmes, enabling them to participate in retrofitting investments that require financial contributions from building residents.
35 participants took part in training sessions, and nine received mentoring on developing small project proposals, starting or expanding home-based businesses, and applying for state grants and interest-free loans.
An evaluation conducted in late 2025 confirmed the pilot’s strong relevance and highlighted that lack of information, rather than lack of support schemes, is often the main barrier for vulnerable households. The project therefore emphasises strengthening institutional capacity to ensure residents can access employment opportunities and social support while participating in climate solutions.
Together, these examples illustrate how integrating GESI across sectors and countries strengthens climate mitigation efforts. By expanding economic opportunities for women and vulnerable households, these initiatives demonstrate that inclusive climate action can deliver both envrionmental and social benefits.
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