Securing Women's Safety to Enable Environmental Leadership

Recent years have seen growing recognition of the disproportionate burdens women face from climate change impacts and environmental degradation. However, discussions often overlook that promoting women’s safety and security is crucial for their participation in sustainability initiatives. Environmental leader Hari Chandana’s work safeguarding indigenous women in India from harassment while conserving forests demonstrates the importance of this issue.

Women like Hari Chandana spearhead grassroots conservation efforts globally. But pervasive gender-based violence and discrimination creates barriers for women mobilizers. A study across climate program in Bangladesh, India, and Tanzania found women participants reporting reduced mobility, truncated work hours, and elevated stress levels simply due to security concerns.

In Championing Change, Chandana had to persuade police officials to prohibit alcohol consumption in their village which had fueled harassment against Chenchu women. “If we women can roam around freely without fear or anxiety, we can concentrate better on our jobs,” she relayed. This demonstrates how addressing risks to women’s safety encourages their participation and leadership.

Lack of public safety stifles women’s voices and visibility in environmental projects. Integrating safety measures like awareness campaigns, women-centric spaces, and recourse platforms enables marginalized women to steer sustainability solutions without fear. Just outcomes require listening to environmental defenders like Hari Chandana who understand security barriers facing women. Securing women’s basic safety underscores their emancipation to drive environmental progress.

HariChandana #SheInspiresUs #womenpower #saveanimals #environmentalists #forest #nature #savesoil #preservenature #savetrees #service #forestrescue #protectourmothernature #savetrees #womensafety