A WMO workshop brought experts together to advance gender mainstreaming in weather and climate services, highlighting steps to improve inclusivity and address gaps in data, capacity and representation.
A virtual workshop on Gender Mainstreaming across hydrometeorological services was hosted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 18 and 25 November 2025. The two sessions brought together experts to examine how gender perspectives can be better integrated into weather, climate and water services.
Participants included representatives from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), United Nations agencies, academia and operational partners. Discussions focused on practical ways to strengthen gender-responsive approaches across the work of the WMO Commission for Weather, Climate, Hydrological, Marine and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM).
From policy to practice
Speakers stressed that gender considerations are central to effective service delivery. Early warning systems and climate services that reflect different needs and access patterns can improve how information is received and used, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, health and disaster risk reduction.
Case studies showed how gender perspectives are being applied across the hydrometeorological value chain. Examples included targeted communication strategies, community engagement and service design adapted to local contexts. Applications ranged from energy and aviation to marine services and hydrology.
Gaps and next steps
Participants pointed to persistent barriers, including limited institutional capacity, a lack of sex-disaggregated data and the underrepresentation of women in technical and leadership roles. Structural inequalities also continue to affect access to climate information and early warnings.
To address these gaps, the workshop highlighted the need for stronger leadership and accountability, better integration of gender considerations into operations and training, improved data collection and greater support for women's career pathways in the sector.
The workshop outcomes will inform ongoing efforts to make weather, climate and water services more inclusive and accessible. Recordings of the sessions and the full report are available on the WMO website .
