Role of Women in Environment Conservation

Abstract

Growing population and technological advancement are continuously putting a strain on the environment and on country’s natural resources. Over-exploitation of the country’s resources like land, water, fuel etc. has resulted in degradation of resources mainly due to industrial pollution, soil erosion, deforestation and urbanization. Hence, it is utmost important to conserve and promote the natural resources and environment. Women have direct contact with natural resources like fuel, food and fodder, forest, water and land especially in rural areas where 70% of Indian population reside and directly dependent upon natural resources. Women are also responsible for using these resources to satisfy the basic needs of their families. Before 18th and 19th century, it was considered that women have no role in environmental conservation and promotion, as well as they were avoided in all major sphere of social life. But after spreading awareness about their rights and duties and taking cognizance of their surrounding they consciously tried to raise voice against environment degradation. Women play a critical role in managing natural resources on family and community levels and are most affected by environmental degradation. Besides, that woman even played a leadership role for conservation and enhancement of environment. In communities around the world, women manage water, sources for fuel, and food, as well as both forests and agricultural terrain. From the high level to the grassroots, the 1992 UN Earth Summit, India’s Chipko movement and Kenya’s Green Belt Movement all highlighted the role of women’s voices and perspectives in sustainable development. Similarly, nowadays Medha Patekar, a social worker, Menaka Gandhi, an environmentalist and politician, are playing key role for the conservation and promotion of the environment. Therefore, conservation of natural resources and promotion of environment cannot be done without involving the women in planning and training for promoting the values for conservation and promotion of environment.