Everyone Matters: The Imperative of Intersectionality and GESEI in Nature-Based Solutions
Why We Must Embrace Intersectionality and Gender Equality in Nature-Based Solutions
In the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a promising path forward. Yet, to truly unlock their potential, we must embrace the principle that everyone matters. This means integrating an intersectional and Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion (GESEI) lens into research and programs. Here’s why this approach is not just beneficial but essential.
Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Groups
Climate change and biodiversity loss do not affect everyone equally. Diverse groups of women, particularly those from rural and indigenous communities, bear a disproportionately heavy burden. These women often depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, yet societal norms frequently restrict their access to these resources. When these essential resources are depleted, women face economic, physical, and social challenges far greater than those encountered by men in similar situations.
Similarly, men, especially those from marginalized communities, also face unique challenges. Men in agricultural sectors may experience job loss due to climate-induced crop failures, leading to economic and psychological stress. Men in certain cultures may also face societal pressures to provide for their families, exacerbating the impact of climate change on their mental health and social standing.
The Gendered Nature of Climate Impact
The gender division of labor and deep-seated gender values mean that women and men experience the impacts of climate change differently. Women are often the primary managers of natural resources, making them more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. Men, on the other hand, may be more involved in physically demanding roles such as fishing, logging, and farming, which are directly affected by environmental changes. Addressing the needs and perspectives of women and men in these roles can lead to more targeted and effective NbS.
Better Solutions Through Inclusive Practices
In many places, men play a crucial role in NbS through their specialized skills and knowledge in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Their contributions often involve technical expertise and physical labor, which are vital for implementing and maintaining NbS projects. However, women, with their invaluable intergenerational knowledge of natural resources and sustainable practices, have proven to be active contributors and agents of positive change. Research shows that including the perspectives, needs, and knowledge of diverse groups in NbS leads to better results. Engaging women and men in discussions about natural resources and sustainable practices can lead to more holistic community resilience strategies. By ensuring that both women and men are actively involved and their unique contributions are recognized and utilized, NbS can achieve more holistic and successful outcomes. This inclusive approach fosters community resilience, promotes equitable resource management, and drives positive environmental change.
Economic Vulnerabilities and Gender Inequality
Women typically own less land and possess fewer economic assets than men, which limits their ability to recover from climate-related economic hardships. This economic disparity makes women particularly vulnerable during climate emergencies. Men, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, may also face significant barriers. Loss of income and employment due to environmental degradation can lead to increased poverty and social instability. NbS should aim to create economic opportunities for both women and men to foster community-wide resilience.
The Link Between Climate Stress and Gender-Based Violence
The increased economic stress caused by climate change can lead to a rise in gender-based violence (GBV), including verbal, physical, and economic abuse. Climate-induced displacement further heightens the risk of predatory sexual abuse and trafficking. Men can also be victims of violence and abuse, especially in conflict zones or during economic crises. Addressing GBV comprehensively within NbS means recognizing and mitigating all forms of violence and supporting both women and men. NbS must incorporate measures to prevent GBV, protecting vulnerable populations and mitigating these social impacts.
Health Impacts on Women
Women face unique health risks due to climate change, including heightened risks during pregnancy and greater susceptibility to respiratory infections from environmental changes. Additionally, the responsibility of caring for ill family members often falls on women, exacerbating their economic and social burdens. Men may experience health impacts related to physical labor and exposure to hazardous environments. Recognizing and addressing these health impacts is crucial for comprehensive NbS.
Empowering Women and Men as Key Solution Makers
Women possess valuable intergenerational knowledge of natural resources, gained through daily activities like farming and water collection, which gives them a deep understanding of local ecosystems. When women have secure land rights and are included in decision-making, they can better advocate for and implement sustainable practices, leading to successful conservation efforts. Similarly, men contribute specialized skills and knowledge in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, often involving physical labor and technical expertise. Including men in decision-making and providing them with resources and training enhances the effectiveness of environmental initiatives.
Including both women and men in decision-making processes and ensuring their access to resources and training is essential for the success of NbS. This collaborative approach recognizes the unique contributions of each gender and leverages their complementary strengths. By fostering an inclusive environment where both women and men can contribute their knowledge and skills, communities can develop more resilient and effective strategies for managing natural resources.
Steps to Inclusion
Effective NbS must be informed by intersectional gender analysis, involving comprehensive data collection and analysis on gender and socio-economic characteristics. This includes assessing who performs what work, who controls resources, and who benefits from NbS. By identifying and addressing gaps in inclusion, we can ensure that all demographic groups benefit equitably.
In our quest to address climate change and biodiversity loss, we must remember that everyone matters. Adopting an intersectional approach that integrates Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion into nature-based solutions is not just a matter of fairness; it is a pathway to more effective and sustainable environmental management.
Access our tools below:
Here are some of the tools that aim to equip practitioners, researchers, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively integrate GESI into their environmental and development initiatives. The International Best Practice publication presents a comprehensive overview of effective strategies with practical tools developed from real-world applications:
Drawing from our field visits to various villages, including direct interactions with local communities, FINCAPES presents a detailed case study of socio-economic and gender dynamics in a specific site location. Through these examples, we highlight the practical application of our GESI lenses and demonstrate how these approaches can be tailored to different contexts to enhance inclusivity and sustainability in NbS projects. Download our FINCAPES INSIGHTS below:
- FINCAPES Insights: Socio-Economic and Gender Dynamics in Purworejo Village, East Lampung
- FINCAPES Insights: Socio-Economic and Gender Dynamics in Catur Rahayu, Jambi
- FINCAPES Insights: Socio-Economic and Gender Dynamics in Pandan Sejahtera, Jambi