Recognizing the invaluable role of women in shaping sustainable futures and preserving our planet

The role of women in conserving the environment is essential, as they play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and preservation of natural resources. Women are often at the helm of managing natural resources such as water, land, and forests, and they have a unique understanding of the environment and its importance for their families and communities. Women are frequently involved in agricultural activities and small-scale farming, where they make significant contributions to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation. Serving as caretakers of their families, women play a vital role in promoting environmental education and awareness.
The history of women in environmental cases can be traced back to the early 20th century when women began to organize and advocate for environmental and conservation causes. In the 1960s and 1970s, women became increasingly involved in environmental activism, participating in protests, lobbying for environmental regulations, and leading conservation organizations. One of the earliest pioneers in this movement was Rachel Carson, whose groundbreaking book “Silent Spring” in 1962 raised awareness about the harmful effects of pesticides and chemical pollution on the environment. Women like Lois Gibbs, who organized the community effort against the Love Canal toxic waste site, and Wangari Maathai, who founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, were instrumental in raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for change. Similarly, women like Jane Goodall, Sylvia Earle, and Vandana Shiva – primatologist, environmentalist, and activist, Erin Brockovich, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Berta Cáceres, Marina Silva, and Sylvia Alice Earle are known internationally for their conservation efforts, and advocacy for protecting the world’s environment while opposing the environmental destruction.
Similarly in India, women had been the primary caregivers for the land and its resources, and they had a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between human beings and nature. This knowledge has been passed down through generations, and women have been responsible for the sustainable management of water, agrarian activities, and the conservation of biodiversity. A few renowned women conservationists who played a brave role in environmental conservation in India are Vandana Shiva – An environmental activist and founder of Navdanya, a network of seed keepers and organic producers in India. Medha Patkar – Social activist known for her work on environmental and social issues, particularly on the Narmada River and its surrounding communities. Gauri Devi, Sunita Narain, Priya Shyamsundar, Asha Devi, and Saalumarada Thimmakka all are known for conservation and sustainable developmental practices in the Indian Himalayas and many more.
Women have been at the forefront of indigenous and environmental justice movements, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and the protection of natural resources, and this has led to the evolution of a term known as “Ecofeminism,” a feminist movement and theoretical framework that seeks to address the connections between the exploitation of the environment and the subjugation of women. It highlights how women have often been at the forefront of environmental activism, and advocates for the inclusion of feminist perspectives in environmental decision-making processes.
Ecofeminism has aimed to create a more sustainable and equitable world by recognizing and addressing the interconnectedness of gender and environmental issues. Women have also led movements against deforestation, land degradation, and water scarcity, through which they have been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and the use of renewable energy sources. Women have not only been involved in environmental policymaking and advocacy at both the local and national levels but also have taken leadership roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development by working as scientists, lawyers, policymakers, and community organizers to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and other pressing environmental challenges.
In conclusion, the role of women in conserving the environment is a story of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Despite facing challenges, women all across the globe have remained at the forefront of environmental conversation, drawing from their traditional knowledge and practices while also embracing modern innovations and technologies. Their tireless efforts to protect the communities by safeguarding the environment have been instrumental in raising public awareness, inspiring future generations, and shaping environmental policies. Women have made an indispensable contribution to building a sustainable future for our world, creating a safe haven for future generations to flourish.
The writer is a researcher and can be reached [email protected]

Inam Sabha Hameed