Women and men play different roles in the environment, bringing a wealth of knowledge, unique skills, and experiences around ecosystems and conservation that often differ from each other. Women are gatherers and managers of natural resources, playing a key role in sustainable development. Data and information showcase the ways in which women’s leadership in environmental decision-making and the integration of efforts to build gender equality into conservation, sustainable development and climate action is essential for empowering women as agents of change – who contribute their diverse and rich knowledge and abilities to environmental policy and programming – and to improve environmental, health and socioeconomic outcomes.

This publication releases new IUCN data on the number of women leading environmental ministries, compared with previous data. It also reviews the case, highlighting select data, on why gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential for global goals on achieving an inclusive and sustainable future.