University of Malta. Islands and Small States Institute
Abstract
The flow of climate finance to the Pacific region is increasing. Existing discourses
of climate finance in the region tends to emphasise how Pacific island countries access finance
from multiple sources. Assessing whether climate finance addresses gender inequality has
received very little attention in the region despite the increased profile of vulnerability of
Pacific women to the impacts of inequality and climate change impacts. This article seeks to
address this gap. Using the talanoa research approach to draw out the ‘lived realities’ of women
in Funafuti (Tuvalu) and Weno (the Federated States of Micronesia), this research attempts to
demystify how Pacific women in communities perceive the impact of climate finance on their
lives and livelihoods. The study finds that a high degree of disparity exists between climate
finance discourse at a community level and at regional and national levels. Addressing this
disparity is essential to ensure that concrete and transformative impacts of climate finance are
experienced by the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in Pacific communities. The
mantra of ‘leaving no one behind’ rings hollow should vulnerable women in rural and remote
Pacific communities continue to feel excluded from the benefits of climate change efforts.peer-reviewe
