This paper aims to integrate gender equality considerations into the readiness support delivered by the UN-REDD Programme and seeks to enhance the capacities of governments to design and implement gender-responsive national REDD+ strategies and programmes. Relying on both a human rights and a pragmatic approach to considering gender issues in the design, implementation and evaluation of REDD+ programmes, it examines how women’s full and effective participation in decision-making related to property rights and land tenure, the management of forest resources and benefits deriving from REDD+ and enhancing ecosystems-based benefits of REDD+ is likely to lead to not only a more equitable REDD+, but also REDD+ processes that are more efficient, effective and sustainable.