The inclusion of women’s perspectives in conservation leads to more innovative solutions and better decision-making that benefits entire communities. Additionally, our research shows that when women are involved in conservation initiatives, they are also better able to pursue leadership opportunities within their communities and beyond.
The training aimed to define gender-inclusive nature conservation and discuss how to ensure our work can be made more inclusive. By participating in this training, our women-led Mongolia team based at the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation (SLCF) aims to make their conservation initiatives more equitable, inclusive and sustainable.
The training was attended by 11 conservationists and facilitated by our team members Agvaansteren Bayarjargal (Bayara pictured above), Dr. Chloe Lucas and Dr. Nadia Mijiddorj. Through a mix of activities, discussions and presentations, the training covered the intersection of gender with stereotypes, human rights, biodiversity, climate change and biases in conservation.
The team discussed how traditional gender roles and biases can often sideline women from conservation efforts. The training also highlighted how biodiversity loss and climate change often disproportionately affect women. For example, when resources such as fuel (wood), food and water become scarce, women spend more time performing household tasks and less time pursuing education or jobs outside the home. This reduces women’s participation in conservation initiatives and can exclude them from decision-making.
Team discussions highlighted women’s contributions to nature conservation and considered ways to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in conservation, including SLCF’s programs.
Overall, the training was thought-provoking and generated discussion about the importance of gender inclusivity in conservation and how we can continue moving toward equality. Participants left the training committed to integrating these principles into their work.
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Photo credits: SLCF-Mongolia
Acknowledgments: This training was sponsored by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Small Grants program of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), commissioned by the Federal Government of Germany.