The role of women in environmental management : towards the implementation of gender-sensitive environmental and sustainable development policy

Abstract

It has long been recognized that women, in their various capacities such as homemaker, farmer, and energy supplier, have been the caretakers and managers of the earth's natural resources. Yet, despite direct and obvious connection to the environment through their daily routines, women's voices, in general, have not been included in the policy decisions that impact upon environmental quality. Nonetheless, over the past twenty-five years, there has been a determined policy shift towards recognizing the importance of incorporating women in environmental decision-making and management at all levels of society: local, national, regional and international.

This new policy direction has been widely agreed by the world's nations through a series of international agreements reached during this decade. At the level of implementation, however, progress in achieving practical fulfillment of this policy objective remains minimal. The policy change has come about, in large measure, as a result of women sharing their stories and experiences, and developing a critical mass capable of advocacy to influence the policy debate. Therefore, gradually, women are becoming recognized not merely as victims of environmental degradation or as a target group for assistance.

Rather, women, individually and through their organizational structures, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are increasingly being seen as initiators of action and full partners in the effort to ensure sustainable development. The current trend in development theory, linking poverty, environment and human rights, further underscores the legitimacy of a gender sensitive approach to sustainable development.