Critical roles of women and girls towards unlocking a sustainable planet -Benjamin, OHCHR
“Women and girls are critical to unlocking a planet within which people can thrive.” Benjamin Schachter, OHCHR.
Tracing pace back to the ancient regimes, the significance of the role played by women in the society; cross-cutting into food production systems, upholding cultural and societal values, contribution to decision making processes among other had been paid a deaf ear. Centuries down the trail, the narrative has seemingly taken a toll on the sustainable use of natural resources within most local communities and biosphere reserves.
A sideline in acknowledging the efforts and contributions of women during the ancient times has till today, still left potholes in understanding and drawing critical lines towards decisions aimed at sustainable use of natural resources; conservation of biological diversity and climate action.
Undoubtedly, as holders and engines of over 80% of the global micro-economy, the sustenance of homes and local community production systems and value chains is a proportionate depiction of the knowledge richness and unexplored potential of women and girls to contribute towards conservation efforts in most parts of the World, particularly local communities. A further magnification of micro-economies to large-scale or macro-economies gives an indicator of the unpacked potential of women and girls towards conservation of nature and biological diversity.
Comprising an approximation of 60% of the global population, women and girls today still face concrete challenges; limited support and finance, exclusion from majority policy decisions spaces, among other strong standing blocks hindering their full board involvement and action regarding biodiversity conservation efforts. The 2030 agenda, CBD Aichi targets among other policy illustrations elaborate the interconnectedness of gender, biodiversity and conservation, as well identifying the relevance of putting women central and at the forefront of biodiversity conservation efforts for a just and equitable cause.
Quite evident from the pandemic has been the vulnerability of the global production systems and economy, which show a great deal of reliance on nature. Whereas many local communities, nations, regions, continents and the globe at large strive towards a Green recovery, it is highly critical to exploit the unused knowledge and resource banks held by women and girls, fully getting them involved and furthermore giving a priority to local and indigenous knowledge. Only then will it prove and seem feasible to holistically drive towards a Green global economy.
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