The Next Big Opportunity for Gender Equality?

Oct 11, 2019 | Ewa Lewandowska
View Original

The movement for a circular economy has focused on the environmental and business impacts of circularity, with far less interest (from researchers and policymakers) dedicated to its social implications. However, as we attempt to break away from unsustainable, linear models, we must not overlook this opportunity to use a global paradigm shift to build a more equitable society for everyone.

Nearly three decades ago, 1992 Rio Conference final document recognized women as key actors for environmental protection and poverty alleviation. In the 1990s, there was a broad consensus that ecology and sustainability are not gender neutral and that the study of gender relations is essential for understanding the relationship between nature and society, as well as for resource management and overcoming environmental emergencies