What is the role of women in environment and development?

In South East Asian countries the gender discrimination is high. Gender gaps works against the environmental development. Many studies done by World Bank and other independent organizations found that women are the perfect agents for the grass roots level and are also carriers of indigenous wisdom. When environment is destroyed they are the first one to be affected. Development must improve the quality of women as well as men alike

Over the years, women have continued to speak out for policies and practices that do threaten the health and well-being of future generations. They continue to fight for improved living standards and protection of the environment. In almost all countries, women are disproportionately represented among the poor. And studies have found that the poor, in urban and rural areas of rich and poor countries, bear the greatest burden of environmental degradation and pollution.

Women as users Managers: In almost all countries, women have the primary responsibility for nutrition, child care and household management. They are also active in environmental management. In most developing countries, women play a major role as farmers, animal tenders, and water and fuel collectors. Yet, despite their roles, women are not adequately represented in the decision-making processes related to the issues of environment and development at local, national or international levels.

Women as Educators: Women are the first teachers for their children, hence they play a major role in inculcate the concern towards development and environmental issues. The quality of life of a women and children can be used as an index for the effectiveness of the sustainability development programmes.

Women manage water supply at home and they are one who utilize maximum water and also responsible for providing hygienic drinking water. Hence they play major role in water management and usage.

Women as conservers: Women have often been called as traditional natural scientists and have good knowledge of local flora and fauna like herbal medicines, food, fuel etc hence making them survival agriculturists. Hence they play a vital role in conserving food, water and fuel etc. they can also play a vital role in conserving Natural Resources like buying home appliances with better energy efficient appliances.

Women controller of Population growth: through family planning women help in controlling the population growth.

Hence when women's needs are met automatically the environmental and development issues can be tackled. Hence as a consumers, producers, caretakers of their families and educators women play an important role in the sustainable development through their concern for the quality and sustainability of life for the present and future generations.