Challenge

© Adam Dean/Panos

Discrimination against women is widespread. This is morally unacceptable and makes it impossible to achieve well-being for all. It hinders efforts to slow population growth and, by shutting out women's views, dramatically reduces the perspectives, knowledge, value sets and experiences available for solving pressing environmental, social, economic and political problems.

Women's empowerment alone might not guarantee a society which lives within environmental limits. But could it significantly increase our chances of achieving this?

Women's empowerment is often considered in environmental circles only as a driver in reducing global population growth. This is necessary for living within environmental limits. But it positions it as an issue only for developing countries. It also neglects continued male dominance in policy-making in developed countries and businesses.

Research questions

• Could women's empowerment transform the chances of societies living within environmental limits?
• What interventions are most needed?
• Could these help achieve equality for other disadvantaged communities of people?

Use of the research

This research will influence future campaigns by Friends of the Earth's Just Transition Programme. It will also help broaden the debate around women's empowerment.