International Women’s Month 2023: The Future is Female.

Women and Forests

 

Trees and women have something in common; they are both important pillars of sustainable development. The role of trees in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems is well known. However, the importance of women’s participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development is often overlooked. Women’s empowerment and gender equality are key to achieving sustainable development, including protecting trees and preserving the environment.

 

 

In many parts of the world, women are the primary caregivers for trees and forests. They collect firewood, tend to fruit trees and medicinal plants, and manage forests sustainably. Women are also key players in farming and agricultural systems, which depend on healthy soils and water sources. However, women’s contributions to environmental conservation are often unrecognized, with very little power in decision-making processes.

 

Women in Mutare have played a crucial role in reducing poverty by taking part in non-timber projects such as bee-keeping, not to mention they are also at the forefront of the zero hunger project in Marange where they planted cassava for the community early 2022. These women are not only conservative of the environment but are also taking care of their families.

Women being actively involved in small projects make a positive impact, their involvement in environmental decision making processes can lead to more sustainable and equitable outcomes, as they are more likely to consider the needs of the community and future generations.

Gender inequality is a significant barrier to environmental conservation. In many parts of the world women are not given the same rights as men in terms of education and especially platforms to participate in sustainable development efforts. By empowering women and promoting gender equality we break barriers and create the potential of half of the world’s population to have a sustainable future.

 

There are many ways in which we can promote women’s empowerment and gender equality in the context of environmental conservation. For example, we can invest in education and training for women in fields related to environmental conservation and resource management.

Furthermore, we can ensure that women have a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making about the environment. This can be achieved through policies that promote gender balance and women’s participation in environmental governance. We can also work to change societal norms that limit women’s participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

In conclusion, women and trees are interconnected, and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment can benefit the environment.

 

The future is female. Cheers to all the women who strive hard for sustainable development each day.