It’s International Women’s Day today on March 8. A day to recognize the indispensable role women play in steering our planet toward a sustainable future. But the gender gap is still there. From pioneering scientific innovations to transforming agricultural practices and shaping ethical business models, women’s contributions are pivotal in addressing environmental challenges.
However, despite their roles in promoting sustainability, women still disproportionately endure the adverse effects of environmental crises, compounded by persistent violence and systemic inequality.
There is an urgent need for integrated solutions that address both ecological and social injustices. In this article, we will show that women often take the lead in sustainability while also addressing the challenges they face in 2025.
Time to make International Women’s Day a reality and not just a theme.
International Women’s Day – Women at the Forefront of Sustainability
Women in Science & Innovation
Women scientists are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions to combat climate change. For instance, Miranda Wang, co-founder and CEO of BioCellection, has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme as a Young Champion of the Earth for North America. Her work focuses on innovative approaches to plastic waste management, converting plastic waste into valuable chemicals, thereby addressing both pollution and resource scarcity.
If we look in Africa, there’s the work of Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an indigenous environmental activist from Chad. She has been instrumental in integrating indigenous knowledge with modern environmental science. As the coordinator of the Association of Indigenous Peul Women of Chad (AFPAT), she has been a leading voice in advocating for the inclusion of indigenous communities in climate change discussions, stressing the importance of traditional knowledge in developing sustainable environmental practices.
Women in Agriculture
In agriculture, women are pioneering regenerative farming practices that restore ecosystems and enhance food security. Sabarmatee Tiki, an Indian conservationist and organic farmer, transformed 90 acres of degraded land in Odisha into a thriving ecosystem using organic farming techniques. Through her NGO, Sambhav, she promotes the conservation of indigenous seed varieties and sustainable agriculture practices, impacting numerous farmers and preserving biodiversity.
Similarly, Deepika Kundaji has been recognized for her efforts in transforming barren land in Auroville, India, into fertile soil through sustainable practices. Her work is based on the importance of seed preservation and organic farming, providing a model for land restoration and sustainable agriculture.
Let’s also not forget the groundbreaking work by Lydie Beassemda in Chad.
Women in Business & Policy
Women in business and policy are instrumental in boosting sustainability-driven policies and ethical business models. Halla Tómasdóttir, elected president of Iceland in 2024, has been a vocal advocate for integrating environmental and social well-being into economic policies. Her leadership challenges the traditional emphasis on profit over sustainability, promoting high environmental standards and inclusive governance.
In the corporate sector, Pilar Cruz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cargill, has been steering the company toward ambitious sustainability goals. Under her leadership, Cargill has deployed zero-emission fully electrified pusher boats and barges, restored 9 billion liters of water, and promoted regenerative agricultural practices, surpassing its 2025 carbon emission reduction targets.
International Women’s Day – Women still Pay a High Price
Environmental Crises have Disproportionate Impact on Women
Despite their vital contributions, women remain disproportionately affected by environmental crises. It’s fine to celebrate International Women’s Day but climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities, with women often facing greater risks and burdens from its impacts.
For example, in many developing countries, women are primarily responsible for securing food, water, and energy for their families, tasks that become more challenging as climate change degrades natural resources. Additionally, women are more vulnerable to climate-induced displacement and have limited access to resources and decision-making processes, hindering their ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Heightened Vulnerabilities Amid Environmental Crises
Climate change exacerbates existing gender disparities, placing women, especially in developing regions, at greater risk. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, prolonged droughts have been linked to increased HIV prevalence among women, as economic hardships force them into transactional sex for survival.
A study across 21 sub-Saharan countries revealed that long-term temperature rises correlate with higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among women, particularly in rural areas.
Moreover, climate-induced resource scarcity intensifies domestic responsibilities for women, limiting their opportunities for education and economic advancement. In many cultures, women are primarily responsible for securing water, food, and fuel; environmental degradation makes these tasks more arduous, reinforcing traditional gender roles and hindering progress toward gender equality.
Escalation of Gender-Based Violence
Environmental crises often lead to displacement and instability, conditions that heighten the risk of gender-based violence. The United Nations reports that over 600 million women and girls are currently affected by war, a 50% increase from a decade ago. In conflict zones, women are disproportionately targeted for sexual violence, exploitation, and other violations. In 2023, the number of women killed in conflicts doubled, and cases of conflict-related sexual violence surged by 50%.
Additionally, environmental degradation can lead to economic hardships that force women into dangerous livelihoods. In Bolivia, for example, women have turned to scavenging tin from abandoned mines to support their families, exposing themselves to hazardous working conditions and potential violence.
Barriers to Property Ownership and Economic Independence
In many developing countries, women face systemic barriers to land ownership and property rights, limiting their economic independence and increasing their vulnerability to violence. A study in Kerala, India, found that women without property were significantly more likely to experience domestic violence compared to those who owned land or a house. Specifically, 49% of women without property reported physical violence, whereas only 7% of women with property reported such incidents.
Challenges in Developed Nations
Gender-based violence and inequality are not confined to developing countries; they persist in developed nations as well. In the United Kingdom, over a 15-year period, more than 170 mothers were killed by their sons, accounting for nearly 10% of all women murdered by men. This alarming statistic highlights the often-overlooked issue of matricide and underscores the need for targeted interventions.
Furthermore, a recent report revealed that one in eight women killed by men in the UK were over 70, emphasizing the vulnerability of older women to domestic abuse and homicide.
International Women’s Day – Gender Equality is Not A Reality
Gender equality is still far from reality despite us celebrating International Women’s Day, despite decades of progress. At the current pace, it could take until 2158 to close the global gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum. This shows the urgent need for action.
Economic Inequality
Women continue to earn less than men. In Australia, they make only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns. They also face slower promotions, widening the pay gap. Leadership positions remain male-dominated. Women hold only 7% of CEO roles and 9% of board chair positions in major companies. The number of female CFOs has even dropped from 17% to 16%.
Political Representation
Women are also underrepresented in government. As of 2023, they hold just 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide and only 22.8% of cabinet positions in Europe. In many regions, their presence in leadership is even lower. These numbers highlight the barriers women face in decision-making roles.
Societal Barriers
High childcare costs prevent many women from fully participating in the workforce. This financial burden makes it harder for them to advance in their careers, further contributing to wage gaps.
Several Steps Needed to Close these Gaps
To close these gaps, several steps are needed:
- Fair parental leave policies that support both men and women.
- Pay transparency to expose and address wage differences.
- More diversity in leadership, breaking male-dominated executive spaces.
Nordic countries, with their policies on parental leave and wage transparency, have shown that these measures work.
While progress has been made, true gender equality requires ongoing effort. Addressing pay gaps, increasing political representation, and removing workplace barriers are all essential. Gender equality should not be a distant goal – it must become a reality.