Chemicals and gender - Gender Climate

19St ep 5: In t egr at e g en d er c o n s id e r at i o n s in e n a b l i n g l e g i s lati o n r el at ed to SMC. Establishing an enabling legislativeframework can be an important aspect of strengtheningnational capacity for SMC. The existence of well-craftedenabling legislation paves the way for addressing newissues related to SMC as they arise, including issuesassociated with the introduction of novel chemicalsubstances over time as well as with the discovery ofnew concerns related to existing chemicals.The following checklist includes elements that couldbe addressed by SMC legislation and regulations topromote gender equality and the protection of vulnerablepopulations.St ep 6: Ad d r e s s g en d er a s p e c t s o f m a i n s t re a m -i n g SMC i n t o n at i o na l s t r at egie s a n d p l a n s .Countries incorporate SMC priorities, basedon the results of the previous steps, intonational development plans and sectorstrategies. UNDP can provide assistance topartners in ensuring that this mainstreamingof SMC priorities reflects gender-relatedconsiderations. An essential element of thisstage is to make sure that there is a clearunderstanding of how and when to seekopportunities for representation of thesepriorities.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u pSt ep 5 – SMC En a b l i n g Le g i s lat i o n: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Education/awareness raising and outreach on chemicalssafety, risks, and management, targeted towardthe general public and vulnerable populations✓✓ Right-to-know (vulnerable populations should haveeasy access to information on risks, contaminatedsites and/or living/working areas, prohibited orrestricted substances, chemical data safety sheets,etc.)✓✓ Workplace safety (vulnerable populations, becauseof their low status, exert less control over their workenvironment, therefore occupational health andsafety and enforcement provisions should be put inplace to protect them at work from chemical exposure,accidents, disasters, etc.)✓✓ Access to health screening, poison centres, andcompensation from employers (women’s occupationalhealth problems are under-diagnosed andtheir claims for compensation disproportionatelyrefused, authorities should require regular healthscreenings and assessments as well hold employersaccountable for damage done)✓✓ Proper labelling and classification of chemicals(will help vulnerable groups to better understandrequirements for safe handling and storage ofchemicals at home/work)St ep 6 – Mainstreaming SMC in Nat i o na lSt r at egie s a n d Pl a n s: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ How do the most important nationaldevelopment planning processes(UNDAF, CCA, PRSP, etc.) occur (timing/cycle) relative to SMC and gender relatedconsiderations and what/when areimportant decision points?✓✓ Who are the main actors or decisionmakers (government and/or nongovernment)and who must be influenced/engaged (and how many times)to ensure taking up of SMC/genderpriorities?✓✓ Who are important stakeholders thatcan support advocacy for SMC andgender priorities?✓✓ What communication strategies andmaterials will be most effective to influencethe stakeholders that are relevantto the campaign?