The principle of gender equality has increasingly been identified as a key, cross-cutting priority and a prerequisite for meeting global goals on sustainable development, including in relation to interlinked social and economic goals of human rights, inclusion and justice.
Women and men play different roles in making decisions about pollution prevention, waste management, identification of sources of chemical exposure and building a safer environment for communities. In many places, gender also affects levels of access to participation, decision-making, information, education, or justice. As SIDS design and implement sustainable chemical and waste management approaches, equitable consideration and participation of women, men, diverse genders and youth in approaches will help to maximize social and economic benefits while minimizing environmental degradation and strengthening their resilience.
This group provides space for exchange on how to mainstream gender equality into chemical and waste management in SIDS. Group members are welcomed to share all forms of relevant content and information, including on gender & environment policy approaches, advocacy initiatives, case studies, women associations, as some examples.
This group is convened in the context of the Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island States (ISLANDS) Programme. ISLANDS supports thirty-three Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean to manage hazardous chemicals and waste safely and sustainably.
Would you like to find out more about gender equality and what ISLANDS is doing about it? Visit our knowledge hub on gefislands.org to find dedicated information, news and opportunities on gender equality in SIDS.
