Gender and the Environment
Building Evidence and Policies to Achieve the SDGs
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Gender equality and environmental goals are mutually reinforcing, with slow progress on environmental actions affecting the achievement of gender equality, and vice versa. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires targeted and coherent actions. However, complementarities and trade-offs between gender equality and environmental sustainability are scarcely documented within the SDG framework. Based on the SDG framework, this report provides an overview of the gender-environment nexus, looking into data and evidence gaps, economic and well-being benefits, and governance and justice aspects. It examines nine environment-related SDGs (2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 15) through a gender-environment lens, using available data, case studies, surveys and other evidence. It shows that women around the world are disproportionately affected by climate change, deforestation, land degradation, desertification, growing water scarcity and inadequate sanitation, with gender inequalities further exacerbated by COVID-19. The report concludes that gender-responsiveness in areas such as land, water, energy and transport management, amongst others, would allow for more sustainable and inclusive economic development, and increased well-being for all. Recognising the multiple dimensions of and interactions between gender equality and the environment, it proposes an integrated policy framework, taking into account both inclusive growth and environmental considerations at local, national and international levels.
Also available in: French
Women and SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Women in rural societies may be significantly affected by biodiversity loss. In many developing countries, women’s role in ensuring water and fuel supplies, as well as collecting wild edible and medicinal plants, makes them most sensitive to deforestation, land degradation and desertification. Lack of ownership rights and access to resources intensifies these negative effects. Women also face major challenges from biodiversity loss in indigenous and rural communities in some developed countries. At the same time, women can be agents of change, leading biodiversity protection, conservation and sustainable farming efforts. Such positive effects can be magnified by buttressing gender equality and tackling gender-based barriers.
Also available in: French
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