Breaking the Cycle: The Link Between GBV, Gender Equality, and Women’s Leadership in Environmental Protection

“When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.”

– Kofi Annan

At first glance, gender-based violence (GBV) and environmental sustainability might seem unrelated. However, a deeper look reveals a complex relationship where climate change intensifies gender inequalities and perpetuates cycles of violence, particularly against women and marginalized communities.

Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. It is both a cause and consequence of deeply rooted gender inequalities. According to UN Women, nearly 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. These numbers rise sharply in the aftermath of climate-related disasters, where displacement, resource scarcity, and breakdowns in community structures create fertile ground for exploitation and abuse [International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN].

The Vicious Cycle of Climate Change and GBV

Climate change intensifies gender-based violence, especially in vulnerable areas, where environmental stressors like droughts and floods increase displacement and livelihood insecurity. This often leads to heightened violence, as economic pressures and social breakdowns strain households. As the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports, environmental stressors elevate the likelihood of domestic violence, particularly against women and girls. Moreover, climate-induced displacement often leads to women being particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation in refugee and displaced persons camps [Desai, B. H., & Mandal].

In many regions, climate change not only amplifies vulnerability to domestic violence but also entrenches patriarchal norms that limit women’s mobility, decision-making, and access to resources [IUCN]. These dynamics are further compounded by limited access to justice and inadequate legal frameworks that often fail to protect women from such violence in disaster-stricken areas.

Women as Environmental Stewards: When Violence Stifles Leadership

In addition to the exacerbating effects of climate change on GBV, the converse is equally true: gender-based violence creates barriers to women’s engagement in environmental protection and climate resilience efforts. Women, especially in marginalized communities, possess essential knowledge in managing natural resources, agriculture, and community-based environmental strategies. However, research reveals that despite their critical contributions, women in regions like South Asia are systematically excluded from leadership roles in environmental decision-making due to entrenched gendered power dynamics and the direct impacts of GBV. Furthermore, it has been shown that women subjected to violence are less likely to participate in community-based environmental programs, which are key to climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation [Le Masson et al.].

When women are subjected to violence—whether physical, economic, or emotional—their ability to engage in leadership roles within environmental movements or decision-making processes is significantly hindered.

A Gendered Approach to Climate and Environmental Solutions

Importantly, the solution to these interlinked challenges lies in recognizing the essential role women can—and must—play in shaping climate and environmental policies. We must recognize the importance of providing women with the resources, rights, and political power necessary to lead sustainable practices and climate solutions. When women are enabled—free from the threats of GBV—they become key drivers of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability.

Research from UN Women corroborates this, noting that countries with greater gender equality are more likely to implement effective environmental policies. Furthermore, it has been evidenced that gender-responsive approaches to environmental management are essential for achieving long-term climate resilience, as they tap into the diverse perspectives and solutions women bring to the table.

At the policy level, institutions such as Global Witness have called for the inclusion of gender-sensitive frameworks in environmental protection laws. These frameworks must address the underlying power dynamics that hinder women's participation in environmental governance and simultaneously promote the eradication of GBV as a key component of climate adaptation strategies.

Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Integrated Solutions

The link between GBV and environmental degradation is clear, with each compounding the other. Ensuring women's safety, access to resources, and leadership is crucial for both climate resilience and environmental protection. To achieve true sustainability, we must break the cycle of violence that silences women and prevents them from leading the solutions we need. Addressing GBV and promoting gender equality are key to creating a just, sustainable future where both women and the planet thrive.

Our latest initiative, Mujeres del Árbol, in collaboration with Grupo Internacional de Paz in Colombia’s Urabá region, seeks to illustrate the transformative potential of supporting women in environmental leadership. The project is designed to equip women—especially survivors of GBV—with the skills needed for permaculture and sustainable resource management. By doing so, the project will not only to promote economic independence but also to actively combat environmental degradation. Through this approach, we hope to strengthen communities by enhancing their capacity to protect natural resources and improve social and economic well-being, ultimately underscoring the importance of women’s leadership in driving sustainable, positive change.

At Greenseed, we firmly believe that the road to environmental sustainability is rooted in gender equality.

Sources: