Integrating Gender into Environment Projects in Fragile and Conflict Settings

Oct 31, 2022 | Agathe Christien and Phoebe Spencer
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There is growing recognition that natural resource exploitation and environmental pressures can fuel violent conflict. Compounding this threat, situations of conflict and environmental stress also have major gender implications. 

Gender norms shape how women and men access, use, and control natural resources. Women, for example, are often responsible for collecting natural resources, including water. While women play varied roles in forestry, fishing, and other sectors, they are often excluded from decision-making around natural resources and face barriers to owning land and other assets. These challenges worsen in situations of conflict, fragility, and violence due to the collapse of institutions, loss of livelihoods, and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV). Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict and fragility and are less able to cope with environmental stress due to structural gender inequality. Yet, their involvement as change agents marks a critical opportunity to build long-lasting peace, climate resilience, and drive conservation and sustainability efforts.