In all their diversity, women and men interact differently with the environment. For example, climate change can have gender-differenced impacts. Data from the employment sector show that women rely more heavily on natural resources than their male counterparts. Literature is abundant on the disproportionate barriers women face in acquiring assets. This can reduce their ability to handle disasters. Data on women’s representation in government bodies show that they are underrepresented in environmental decision-making, which limits their opportunities to shape environment policy. Examining statistics on the multiple connections between gender and the environment helps to shed light on the gendered impacts of climate change and how women’s resources, experiences and knowledge can help shape mitigation and adaptation policies. This nexus is crucial for policymaking and promotes sustainable development and environmental conservation.
This brief uses data from multiple sources, including official Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators to microdata from standard surveys and geospatial info. When statistical tests are presented, such logistic regression or random forests models, it is important to understand that these results are associations and not causations. Endnotes contain links to methodology, caveats, as well as other details about the analysis.
Data availability is limited so the scope of environmental areas included in this brief is not exhaustive. Data availability is limited. The connections between gender, environment and gender are complex and multidimensional. Not all groups are equally affected. The data available on the gender-environment link is not extensive so it is impossible to include all factors. Recognizing this limitation, this brief doesn’t attempt to present a complete picture of environmental issues from a female angle. It instead provides a snapshot on available data that could help environmental decision-making.
This brief is based on the framework in Mainstreaming Gender in Environment Statistics for the SDGs, and Beyond: Identifying Priorities in Asia and Pacific. It contains internationally agreed indicators that are grouped around six areas (sections F to A) and was developed with the help of gender data experts through international and regional consultations. Additional analysis has been done for some areas where official statistics about the gender-environment link are not available. This is noted at the endnotes.