Gender inequality; a set-back towards success of conservation efforts, Ms. Gabriella, GEF
Inequality within the gender and biodiversity nexus has primarily been identified to stretch across access and utilisation of natural resources.
Key to take prior note of is the significant role played by women in management of natural resources relevant for daily livelihood sustenance and living within the local communities.
The gender implementation strategy of the GEF within the biodiversity conservation space stretches out and expounds on strategies and targets to ensure inclusiveness; among which are not limited to access and control of natural resources, high end opportunities in policy and decision making processes, access to socio-economic benefits that may often arise from the interaction with nature and derivative ecosystem services, among others. Whereas participation of women in key decision making processes is a necessity, effective participation is an utmost requirement.
The globe is fast evolving into a new paradigm, which takes into account the collective role of the society. It is based on the fact that all voices and decisions matter for the success of the conservation efforts. This new shift is aimed at addressing the challenges that have long existed in the way Women have been considered in solving challenges of global concern. Principle to this are the concepts of recognizing the efforts of women and girls in the society and responding to the increased attention to gender equality women empowerment by the multi-lateral environmental agencies.
Inequality is a driver of social backlog and retardation to developmental initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development in local communities. The primary objective of ensuring gender responsive communities is to eliminate the negative socio-cultural image as has been painted in the faces of women by majority of the cultural norms and traditions. In order to exploit the locked up knowledge women possess regarding sustainable use of natural resources, it thus is inevitable to acknowledge the fact that women are holders and steering forces of local economies, building up to macro-economies. With over 70% of the resources used for sustenance are derived from natural environments, it is evident that there still is much to be done regarding unpacking knowledge and skill relevant for the conservation of biological diversity and associated ecosystem services aligned to the 2030 agenda and beyond.