The literature on the role of women, particularly at the grassroots level, in natural resource management and in addressing climate-related challenges, is scarce. There is, however, growing attention to the centrality of women at the climate-conflict nexus, and expanding portfolios of research and programming by the Joint Programme on Women, Natural Resources, and Peace, co-hosted by UN Women, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), and the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
This report, based on a comprehensive desk review and case study analysis, aims to further address gaps in the literature by providing an overview of the linkages within the climate-gender-conflict nexus and investigating how these play out differently across three diverse contexts.
This report is a real-time call for policymakers and practitioners to invest in research and policy within the climate-gender-conflict nexus and expand the evidence base on why women’s meaningful engagement is crucial to successfully addressing these formidable challenges. This work begins with learning from the legacy of women who have long been building peace and preserving resources in their communities. Addressing barriers to women’s meaningful participation and local leadership will further accelerate gains across gender equality, peace and security, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Authors: Dr. Jessica M. Smith, Lauren Olosky and Jennifer Grosman Fernández
Source: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security 2021
