Gender and the Environment
Building Evidence and Policies to Achieve the SDGs
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
Preface
Protecting the planet and its biodiversity is the single most important intergenerational responsibility we face. Moreover, the impacts of environmental and climate change are not gender neutral. In developing and advanced economies alike, women are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than men. Through climate change and severe environmental hazards, millions of people are placed at risk of displacement, 75% of whom are women. Despite women’s role in agriculture and farming, women farmers have limited rights to inherit, access and use land and other productive resources, due mainly to deep-rooted social norms. Lower access to finance and education further restricts their ability to prepare for and respond to environmental shocks. Women tend to be overrepresented in low-income groups, which are most affected by pollution in cities and environmental damage from industry. Furthermore, during and after an environmental crisis or a pandemic, women and girls are exposed to an increased risk of gender-based violence. Discrimination and violence also affect women’s mobility patterns and transport choices, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Also available in: French
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