The role of women in conservation : An understated representation

By Zernash Ehtisham, programme manager Cotton WWF Pakistan 

 

As the world grapples with the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, there’s a powerful force quietly working to turn the tide —women.

For centuries, women have been the silent guardians of the environment. In many parts of the world, women are key players in conservation efforts, as their intimate knowledge of local ecosystems and their experience with environmental changes often make them the first to notice the impact of deforestation, pollution, or droughts. Through their roles as caregivers, resource gatherers, and farmers, their reliance on natural resources for their livelihood makes them highly attuned to environmental changes, driving them to develop adaptive strategies and preserve ecological knowledge through cultural traditions. From understanding the seasons to conserving water and soil, women have been the stewards of the environment and agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity. This expertise, often rooted in generations of lived experience, is indispensable in the mission to protect our planet. When women are given the space to lead, they bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. 

Conservation has traditionally been  a male-dominated field, yet women have always been integral to the protection of our planet. From preserving traditional ecological knowledge to advancing cutting-edge scientific research, women’s contributions have been invaluable. For instance, Dr. Jane Goodall revolutionized animal behavior studies with her pioneering work on chimpanzees in Tanzania, while Dr. Sylvia Earle, a marine biologist and explorer-in-residence for the National Geographic Society, has been a leading advocate for the protection of the world’s oceans. Whether through fieldwork or laboratory research, women’s roles in scientific research are crucial for developing effective, evidence-based conservation strategies.

While women have always been at the forefront of caring for the earth, their leadership in formal conservation roles has often been stifled by institutional and cultural barriers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that women hold just 23% of senior positions in environmental organizations, while the WWF’s 2020 Gender & Conservation Report shows they make up less than 30% of global conservation professionals. A 2019 UNEP report highlights that women represent only 17% of members on environmental governing boards. 

These statistics reflect the systemic barriers limiting women’s advancement. These include structural and institutional obstacles such as gender roles and abilities, which lead to biases in hiring, promotions, and salary decisions to name a few.  Women working in conservation also face unique safety concerns, both in the field and in the office. As Robyn James, global director of gender equity at The Nature Conservancy, highlights, dismantling these barriers is essential, not just for gender equality, but for making conservation efforts more impactful.

Research by McKinsey & Company shows that companies with greater gender diversity in leadership are 21% more likely to achieve higher profitability, emphasizing the importance of gender equity for more effective outcomes.

 A key milestone in WWF’s history of women in leadership was the appointment of ‘Yolanda Kakabadse’ as President (2010-2017). An experienced conservationist and political leader, Kakabadse’s tenure emphasized gender equality, integrating women’s perspectives into WWF’s conservation policies and decision-making at all levels. Her leadership paved the way for Kirsten Schuijt’s appointment as Director General of WWF-International in 2023, marking another significant achievement in gender equity. This shift underscores WWF’s commitment to breaking barriers for women in conservation, highlighting that gender equality is vital for effective environmental solutions. 

In Pakistan, the initiatives I work on at WWF demonstrate how women drive both economic growth and environmental conservation. Through WWF-Pakistan’s Food and Agriculture Programme, over 20,000 women have strengthened their skills in sustainable practices such as beekeeping, poultry farming, and kitchen gardening. In South Punjab and Sindh, WWF-Pakistan, in collaboration with IKEA, has pioneered the establishment of micro nurseries, small-scale, women-run operations that cultivate indigenous tree saplings. These saplings are sold to support reforestation efforts and help restore forests in the region.

This initiative not only provides a vital source of income for women but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the program equips women farmers in Southern Punjab with the tools and knowledge to adapt to climate change. One of the beneficiaries, Tania Sattar, a resident of Shujabad, grew up in a household where stepping outside as a girl was not allowed. She couldn’t continue her education due to family restrictions. Determined to build her future, Tania enrolled in a stitching and embroidery programme at C-First, a centre established by WWF-Pakistan and its partner IKEA. Despite resistance from her grandmother and skepticism from her community, Tania persevered. She learned block printing, fabric painting, and financial literacy, gaining the skills to start her own business. Today, Tania teaches stitching to other women, runs a small beauty parlor from her home, and has built a more stable, growing income,  inspiring others to overcome challenges and achieve independence.

By offering entrepreneurial training, these women are boosting their incomes while promoting climate-smart farming practices that ensure the long-term viability of their communities. Around the world there are countless women like Tania inspiring others, and countless more that could benefit from and lead conservation work if the barriers were removed. 

Institutions must take active steps to eliminate structural barriers that prevent women, especially those without strong family networks, from accessing leadership roles and realizing their full potential in conservation. Intersectional structural barriers like race, class, disability also need to be addressed to ensure conservation efforts benefit from a wide range of perspectives and experiences. 

 Establishing mentorship programs, facilitating networking opportunities, promoting safe and inclusive workplaces, and offering family-friendly policies to support work-life balance are essential for creating a level playing field. Promoting Micro-enterprise initiatives such as  women’s participation in community-led conservation initiatives and collaboration with partners to support the training of farming families, particularly women, to adapt to climate change is another example. 

The call is clear: for the sake of the planet, women’s voices and leadership must be amplified. Increasing the visibility of women in conservation will inspire others to step into these vital roles. Empowering women is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. As caregivers, leaders, and stewards of the earth, women are shaping the future of our planet. They are not just caretakers of their homes and families—they are drivers of change, working tirelessly to ensure that future generations inherit a thriving, sustainable world.

 

Read a summary of this story on panda.org here