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Gender and the green agenda are closely linked and share a great deal of common ground. In fact, these agendas should never have been conceptualized separately, given that they are deeply integrated in real life, at the local level.
This is a visual framework for understanding the spectrum of gender and green agenda activities. From gender exploitative to transformative, and green agenda harmful to regenerative, the framework offers a backdrop against which we’ve mapped different stories of real human experiences at the nexus of gender and the green agenda, including climate change.
Explore the stories, and see where they sit in the framework to inspire your own work and learning. Use the key and definitions below to better understand how these stories have been categorized across sectors and technical domains.
The gender continuum was adapted from the following resource: Interagency Gender Working Group. 2017. Gender Integration Continuum. Part of Core Gender 101 Agenda: page 18.
The green agenda continuum was adapted from the following two resources:
Peterson St-Laurent, G., Oakes, L. E., Cross, M., & Hagerman, S. (2021). R–R–T (resistance–resilience–transformation) typology reveals differential conservation approaches across ecosystems and time. Communications biology, 4(1), 39, Figure 1.
Gann, G. D., McDonald, T., Walder, B., Aronson, J., Nelson, C. R., Jonson, J., ... & Dixon, K. (2019). International principles and standards for the practice of ecological restoration. Restoration Ecology, 27(S1), S1-S46., Figure 5, The Restorative Continuum.
This is like a school system that enforces rigid gender stereotypes, pushing boys academically and pointing girls toward home economics, with the intention of maximizing the number of male graduates who will benefit the school later on.
Solutions that proactively address gender inequity. They consider gender issues and work within existing gender norms to address the exclusion of women.
EXPLOITATIVE
It's similar to a school system that maintains the traditional curriculum and extracurricular activities without recognizing how gender norms, roles, and stereotypes may undermine girls, unintentionally supporting gender inequality.
Solutions that maintain the status quo by ignoring or not addressing gender norms and stereotypes, thereby supporting gender inequality.
ACCOMMODATING
Picture a school system that acknowledges the importance of gender issues. It promotes an inclusive environment where both boys and girls have equal opportunities to participate in all activities, addressing gender inequity by actively encouraging diverse interests.
Solutions that use harmful gender stereotypes to achieve their goals, reinforcing gender inequalities.
RESPONSIVE
This represents a school system that not only acknowledges the existence of gender inequalities but actively works to transform the underlying norms, attitudes, and structures. It goes beyond superficial changes in the curriculum and culture to foster a learning environment where all students can flourish without gender-related limitations.
Solutions that aim to change the power dynamics and structures that perpetuate gender inequalities. They go beyond addressing the symptoms of gender inequality to tackle the underlying norms, attitudes, behaviors, and social systems that support it.
TRANSFORMATIVE
GENDER EQUALITY CONTINUUM DEFINITIONS
Think of a factory persisting with older methods, ignoring harmful emissions, and avoiding steps toward mitigation, despite a multitude of greener alternatives.
To continue with established approaches that are not as environmentally friendly or sustainable as newer alternatives.
HARMFUL
Consider a factory reducing its environmental impact by planting trees and embracing eco-friendly practices to offset carbon emissions.
To reduce negative impacts on the environment, often using renewable resources and minimizing pollution.
GREEN
Picture a land steward managing the terrain on which herds of antelope and human populations rely, ensuring perpetual renewal.
To maintain or support resources or the environment in a way that doesn't deplete or damage them over time.
SUSTAINABLE
Imagine damaged land rejuvenated by planting native plants, returning it to a vibrant state.
To repair or rejuvenate damaged or degraded ecosystems or resources, to naturally return and activate them to a healthier and more balanced state.
RESTORATIVE
Imagine a mature forest that is safeguarded so that it thrives, grows and supports great diversity.
To improve and restore ecosystems, promoting their health and vitality; actively enhancing the environment and its resources.
REGENERATIVE
GREEN AGENDA CONTINUUM DEFINITIONS
Join the conversation on LinkedIn, and connect with a group of individuals and organizations that focus on the nexus of Gender and the Green Agenda.
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