Although women make up 51% of the population, a mere 7% of world leaders attending the most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference were women, and only 34% of committee participants were women.

Why does this matter? Research from 17 global studies demonstrates that women bring something unique to this work. These studies demonstrated that women working in conservation and natural resource management resulted in:

• Stricter and more sustainable extraction rules

• Greater compliance

• More transparency and accountability, and

• Better conflict resolution

The 2021 study by Women in Sustainability and Newcastle University further found that womens’ impact on sustainability resulted in:  

• Empathy and compassion

• A collaborative approach

• A fair negotiation approach, and

• Diversity of thought to decision-making

To better understand the impact of gender on sustainability, we can look at the work of Maggy Hurchalla, an environmentalist and former county commissioner, who advanced policies to protect biodiversity-rich wetlands in Martin County, Florida. 

Although Hurchalla passed away last month, her story illustrates that the compassion, grit, and collaboration that women tend to bring to the table can create lasting change. For more stories about how women’s unique contributions to sustainability, read about these 9 Influential Female Environmentalists.

Sadly, 55% of women surveyed in this field said they do not have the power to influence decision-making. 

So how do we ensure the accountability, transparency, and collaboration that women bring to this work influences future environmental policies and decisions?

• Ensure a clear path for women to leadership positions in your own environmental work. Research shows that more gender diversity on corporate boards leads to better climate governance and innovation. 

• Spotlight the accomplishments of female environmental and sustainability colleagues in social media, staff meetings, and board discussions. 

• Support the work of the hundreds of women-led organizations, businesses, and alliances such as Kavi that are tackling climate change.

• Learn from the successes of women environmental leaders.  

• Share stories of women and girls who are on the frontlines of climate change. Use #IWD2022 (International Women’s Day 2022) to join the conversation on social media and share how you support gender-equitable climate action.

• Follow the example of companies like Vivobarefoot in auditing and transparently reporting pay equity information. 

By working together, we can create a sustainable, thriving, equitable world.  

Winona LaDuke, indigenous activist, author, and speaker, reminds us that, “There is no social change fairy. There is only change made by the hands of individuals.”

If you’re interested in ensuring equity is a critical piece of your sustainability success, schedule a time with Kavi’s President Lisa Stokes Nicholas, to see how a partnership with our woman-led environmental organization can help get you to net zero. 

Kavi is WBENC-certified, Woman Owned Small Business.