Women and the environment
Bellamy, C.
Our Planet 7(4): 7-8
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1013-7394 Document Number: 335718
The article discusses the idea that a sustainable environment can only be achieved if women are given the opportunity to create sustainable livelihoods. This is examined within the context of women in developing countries, coupled with the dichotomy that the environmental concerns that reach the headlines are those that consider the environment on a global scale. Strategies to help women improve their lot include developing low-cost, affordable technology to aid domestic and job-related work and providing them with education, skills training, credit and decision-making power within the community. Some brief examples illustrating the importance of grassroots change are presented from Sudan, Egypt, Brazil, Madagascar, Botswana and Nepal. The article concludes that the importance of women to sustainable development needs to be stressed at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.