Gender and Environment:

Unraveling
Intersections
“PRESENTED BY”
Abdul Mannan
BS political science
004
INTRODUCTION
.
Brief overview of the interconnection
between gender and the environment.
Importance of understanding gender
dynamics in environmental discourse.

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INTRODUCTION
Welcome, everyone, to today's presentation on the
fascinating interconnection between gender and media.
We'll navigate the complex landscape where societal
expectations, cultural influences, and media portrayal
converge, influencing our perceptions of gender roles. Join
me in unraveling the dynamic relationship that shapes our
understanding of identity and expression in the realms of
gender and media.

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GENDER
• Gender refers to the social, cultural, and behavioral attributes, roles, and
expectations associated with being male or female in a given society. It goes beyond
biological differences (sex) and encompasses the ways individuals express their
identity in terms of masculinity, femininity, or non-binary characteristics. Gender is a
complex and dynamic concept influenced by societal norms, cultural values, and
personal experiences.

Defination
• "Gender is a nuanced interplay of societal expectations, cultural influences, and
individual identity, extending beyond the binary concepts of male and female." -
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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ENVIRONMENT
•The environment comprises the surroundings, including living and non-living
elements, that influence and shape the conditions of a specific habitat or the life of
an organism.

DEFINATION
• "Environment refers to the sum total of all external conditions affecting the life,
development, and survival of an organism, including physical, chemical, and
biological factors, as well as the complex interactions between these elements." -
Ecologist Eugene P. Odum
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The Relationship of
Gender with Environment
Access and Control
Climate Change Impact
Natural Resource Management
Energy Access
Environmental Degradation
Resilience and Adaptation:

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The Relationship of Gender with Environment
The intersection of gender and the environment is a multifaceted concept that
recognizes the distinct experiences and vulnerabilities of individuals based on their
gender within environmental contexts. Several key aspects highlight this
relationship:

Access and Control:

• Gender roles often influence access to and control over environmental
resources. In many societies, women may have limited access to land, water, and
forests, impacting their ability to secure livelihoods and participate in decision-
making related to these resources.
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Climate Change Impact:
• Climate change disproportionately affects women due to existing gender
inequalities. Women, especially in developing countries, often bear the brunt of
climate-related disasters, facing increased responsibilities for water and food
provision in the aftermath.
Natural Resource Management:
• Women frequently play crucial roles in natural resource management, such as
agriculture and forestry. Recognizing and supporting women's contributions to
sustainable resource use is vital for effective environmental conservation.

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Energy Access:
• Limited access to clean and sustainable energy sources
disproportionately affects women. In many cases, women spend
significant time on traditional fuel collection, impacting their health and
overall well-being.

Environmental Degradation:
• Environmental degradation can exacerbate existing gender
inequalities. For example, water scarcity may increase the burden on
women who are typically responsible for water collection, affecting
their time and health. 9
Resilience and Adaptation:
• Women often exhibit resilience and innovation in
adapting to environmental changes. Recognizing and
leveraging these skills is essential for effective climate
change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

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Gendered Roles in Resource Management
•Historically, traditional gender roles have influenced how communities manage
natural resources. Women often play pivotal roles in agriculture, forestry, and
fisheries, contributing significantly to sustainable resource use. However, unequal
access to resources and decision-making can hinder effective environmental
stewardship.

•Example: In certain regions, women's contributions to sustainable agriculture

are vital, yet limited access to land and resources constrains their ability to
implement environmentally friendly practices.

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Climate Change and Gender Impacts
Climate change affects genders
differently, with women often
facing heightened vulnerabilities.
Disparities in livelihoods, health,
and exposure to climate-related
disasters underscore the need for
gender-responsive climate
policies.
Example: Women in vulnerable
coastal communities may bear
the brunt of climate-induced sea-
level rise, impacting their homes,
livelihoods, and overall well-
being.
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Access to and Control Over Resources
•Gender disparities in resource access, including land rights and water use, contribute to environmental
challenges. Addressing these inequalities is essential for fostering sustainable resource governance.

•Example: In some regions, legal and cultural barriers restrict women's land ownership, limiting
their ability to implement conservation practices.

Environmental Justice and Gender

•Environmental degradation often exacerbates existing gender inequalities. Indigenous women, in
particular, may face disproportionate impacts, emphasizing the importance of integrating gender
perspectives into environmental justice movements.

•Example: Indigenous women may experience adverse health effects due to pollution from
extractive industries, highlighting the need for inclusive environmental justice solutions.

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Challenges Faced by Women in the Environment:

• Gender Inequality: Women often encounter systemic barriers to education,

employment, and leadership roles due to deeply entrenched gender biases. This
inequality can limit their opportunities for career advancement and economic
empowerment.
• Gender-Based Violence: Globally, women face higher rates of physical and
sexual violence, which significantly impacts their safety and well-being. This issue
extends to workplace harassment and domestic violence.
• Unequal Pay and Opportunities: Disparities in pay between men and
women persist across various industries and professions. Women also encounter
challenges in accessing the same career advancement opportunities as men.
• Work-Life Balance: Juggling professional responsibilities with caregiving roles
can be challenging for women. Balancing family commitments with career aspirations
often leads to stress and compromises in both areas
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Overcoming Challenges Faced by Women:

• Promoting Gender Equality: Implementing policies that ensure equal

opportunities for women in education and employment, along with measures to bridge the
gender pay gap.
• Empowerment Programs: Providing support through mentorship, training,
and entrepreneurship programs that equip women with skills and resources for economic
independence.
• Legal Protections: Enforcing laws and policies that protect women from gender-
based violence, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring safety and justice.
• Changing Societal Attitudes: Encouraging societal shifts through
awareness campaigns and education to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity
and respect for women's rights.

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Challenges Faced by Men in the Environment:

• Societal Expectations of Masculinity: Men often face pressure to conform

to traditional notions of masculinity, which can limit their emotional expression and lead to
mental health issues due to the stigma surrounding seeking help or displaying vulnerability.
• Provider Expectations: Men might experience pressure to be the primary
breadwinners for their families, which can result in stress, long working hours, and difficulties
in achieving a work-life balance.
• Limited Parental Roles: Societal norms can limit men's involvement in parenting
or caregiving roles, impacting their ability to actively participate in their children's upbringing.
• Health and Well-being: Men might be less likely to seek medical help due to
social stigmas, leading to delayed or neglected healthcare needs.These challenges are
influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors, and they affect individuals differently
based on their unique circumstances. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach
that acknowledges and works towards dismantling ingrained societal norms and biases
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Overcoming Challenges Faced by Men:

• Redefining Masculinity: Encouraging a more inclusive definition of masculinity

that values emotional expression, vulnerability, and diverse expressions of manhood.
• Work-Life Balance: Encouraging workplace policies that support flexible work
arrangements, parental leave, and initiatives that allow men to balance career and family
responsibilities.
• Promoting Health Awareness: Encouraging men to prioritize their health by
reducing stigmas around seeking medical help and providing accessible healthcare
services.
• Educational Programs: Offering educational programs that highlight the
importance of shared parenting responsibilities and breaking stereotypes around gender
roles.Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from governments,
organizations, communities, and individuals to create supportive environments that foster
gender equality, inclusivity, and respect for diverse identities
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Empowerment Through Environmental
Education:

Promoting environmental education

empowers genders to actively
Example: Initiatives like "Women in
participate in addressing
Science for the Environment" aim
environmental issues. Breaking
to encourage women's participation
gender stereotypes in
in environmental research and
environmental sciences fosters a
advocacy, fostering a more
more inclusive and diverse
balanced representation.
approach to solving environmental
challenges.

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 Conclusion
•‘The intricate relationship between gender
and the environment necessitates a holistic
approach that recognizes and addresses
gender disparities in environmental
management. By promoting inclusive
policies, empowering women as
environmental leaders, and integrating
diverse gender perspectives into
environmental initiatives, we can pave the
way for a more sustainable and equitable
coexistence between humanity and the
natural world.’
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THANK YOU!

Abdul Mannan
BS political science
004