Sustainability has become a crucial aspect of our lives in recent years, people are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability. Let’s be honest, women play a significant role in sustainability and they bring a lot of benefits to climate action.

First of all, we need to understand that climate change impacts people differently. So Climate Change Solutions needs to address these different realities, and therefore they will be more effective and their impact will ripple through society.

This 2023, International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity. Before we continue, let’s clarify what Equity is.  Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful, in this concept, we admit that each person has different circumstances.

Women are more susceptible to environmental deterioration and climate change, but they also have unique viewpoints, worries, and change-related concepts. Environmental sustainability will continue to be a faraway objective until these are taken into consideration, with women enabled to fully participate in decision-making at all levels.

Women need to ¨sit on the table¨alongside men and be part of the decision making for sustainability development. When I read the book called ¨Lean In¨, Sandberg  wrote, “Don’t expect that you’ll get to the corner office by sitting on the sidelines.” and she also explained how it is not easy because of society’s mindset but sometimes we are the ones who wait to be invited. We have a lot to offer and say and it is important to encourage women to express their interests and opinions and ¨sit at the table¨ or maybe you can build your own table.

Some Movements & Inspiration

There are many movements like 1 Million Women who empower women everywhere to act on climate change through everything we do. Through the way we live, through every choice we make and through using our voices and our votes. So why not start your own movement in your community? Another big initiative, created by Google is #IamRemarkable, where women and other underrepresented groups share and celebrate their achievements.

Laura Costello, Strategy Director & Thinker at THINKHOUSE said “Recent female-led movements like #MeToo and “Time’s Up” show us what’s possible when people come together, with the courage to stand up for something they believe in wholeheartedly,”.

How & Why Women’s Empowerment Is Related To Sustainable Development

Women play a significant role in our society as well as in sustainability, and here you have some reasons on how women’s empowerment is related to sustainable development and why women are essential for climate action.

1. Equality – 100 % of the population needs to be involved: We are 51% of the world population. Our needs and perspectives, as well as of men, need to be considered. Climate Change responses need to take into consideration the different needs of women and men.

However, even nowadays, women and girls are still facing discrimination and abuse that prevent them from playing a full part in society and decision-making. They often have less access to opportunities, education, human rights, healthcare or financial resources.

2. Effective climate solutions: Women are key managers of natural resources and powerful agents of change. According to the UN, when given equal access to resources as men, women can improve their agricultural yields by 20 to 30%, boosting the overall agricultural output in these nations by 2.5 to 4% and helping to reduce global hunger by 12 or 17%.

2. Build community climate resistance: Women are the first noticing the climate change patterns and are aware of the consequences on their land and communities. Additionally, women are frequently the first to react to natural catastrophes in their communities, are leaders in disaster risk reduction, and contribute to post-recovery by taking care of their families’ immediate needs and fostering community.

2. Climate change impacts are not equal – UN conducted a report explaining why women are often the ones directly impacted by environmental degradation and climate change.

Curiosities & Facts

Have you considered the idea of “Mother Earth” and the similarities between how people handle women and how the environment is treated. According to Julie Nelson and others, this promotes unfavourable notions of women and nature as perpetually (re)productive and caring. They are believed to have a limitless potential for self-maintenance and self-regeneration, the author claims. Therefore, in a society where prosperity and advancement are measured by income or economic development, the products and services offered by women and the environment are still unaccounted for.

Women are proven to be more powerful consumers and decision-maker, we do have an incredible influence power in our communities, neighbourhoods, companies, and of course in our own families. We have the power to choose who we want to support, what cause and to whom we are giving our vote and money.

Apart from that women  have higher education within sustainability and we are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, because we are more caring of our environment. Studies show that women are more likely to prioritize the well-being of their families and communities over economic gain. This mindset makes us more receptive to sustainability initiatives that benefit our communities.

Did you know…

• In a 2018 report by Mintel saying women try to live more ethically, compared to men.
• Based on this, in 2020, the Guardian article called “The eco gender gap: why is saving the planet seen as women’s work?” sustainable products are marketed to women because of our consumer and household decision-making.
• 58% of sustainability executives in large companies are female, and in this Forbes article you will see 46 Sustainability Leaders that might inspire you.

Women make more sustainable lifestyle choices & Collectively we can make a positive impact on the planet.

In conclusion, women’s power is essential for sustainability. Women’s unique perspectives and priorities make them natural leaders in the fight. By empowering women and providing them with opportunities, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone.

The world needs a lifestyle revolution. How we live each and every day matters. One small action at a time multiplied by millions and millions changes the system. Never underestimate how powerful you are through everything you do.

Collectively we can make a positive impact on the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions