Introduction

In the face of a rapidly changing climate, women are emerging as powerful agents of change, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Women’s livelihoods encompass a wide range of activities, from agriculture and forestry to fisheries and handicrafts. These activities, often passed down through generations, have embedded within them a deep understanding of local ecosystems and climate patterns. This knowledge is often overlooked in mainstream climate discussions, but it is invaluable when developing climate change mitigation strategies that are both effective and context-specific.

For example, traditionally, women in many parts of the world have been closely involved in developing local farming techniques — for example, agroforestry, crop rotation and intercropping — that improve soil fertility, conserve water and promote biodiversity. These practices can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration and improve resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Beyond agriculture, women are also active in managing forests and protecting biodiversity. Their engagement in sustainable forestry practices — for example, selective harvesting and reforestation — can help to preserve vital carbon sinks and protect ecosystems that are vulnerable to climate change.

Moreover, women play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy sources and energy-efficient practices within their communities. Their adoption of solar cookstoves, biogas digesters and other sustainable technologies can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The contributions of women to climate mitigation extend beyond their direct livelihood activities. They are often responsible for food security, water management and sanitation. Their knowledge of local resources and ability to adapt to changing conditions make them essential partners in developing climate-resilient communities.

All of these skills and experience can, with a little imagination and flexibility to account for specific contexts, be harnessed to develop new business models. While such models would need to be built on the basic concepts of a business — that is, adding value, producing goods or services and selling goods or services — they would need to take a different approach to economics and growth. A business that is gender-sensitive and climate-responsive must focus not on immediate profit, but on long-term returns that enable both the business members and the whole community to live better and without the fear of the effects of sudden disruptions caused by natural disasters.

Any community that wants to create an environment that supports a new approach to business must first bring in certain reforms. For example, without protections in place for the natural environment, there can be no social enterprises based on natural raw materials or resources. Similarly, a gender-sensitive enterprise needs a certain amount of support from families and communities for women’s right to work. Furthermore, elected leaders must promote policies that are supportive of local communities to provide a conducive environment for businesses that are taking a new approach.

The infographic above summarises the types of reforms that are needed to pave the way for social, gender-sensitive and climate-responsive enterprises.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

• discuss, advocate and support gender-sensitive participation for the sustainable growth of a community.
• ensure women’s economic participation and contribution through climate-responsive livelihoods (recycling, small-scale food processing, food production and other innovative businesses).

To do this, you will consider the following topics:

• Linking gender-sensitive enterprises and climate change mitigation
• Imagining possibilities, a step towards future community enterprises

Terminology

Community enterprise:  A community enterprise is a business that is owned and operated by a community for the benefit of the community. Community enterprises can be any type of business, including farms, retail stores and service providers. They are often started to address a specific need or challenge in the community, such as providing employment, affordable housing or access to essential goods and services. They are driven by a social purpose and are committed to reinvesting their profits into the community. They play a vital role in building strong and resilient communities.

Total biomass use:  Total biomass use is the process of using all parts of a plant or animal for various purposes, thus minimising waste and maximising resource use. It involves extracting and using the entire biomass, including the main product, by-products and residue. This approach promotes sustainability, reduces environmental impact and generates additional economic value from the biomass resource.

Electoral reform:  Electoral reform refers to changes made to a country’s or region’s electoral system with the aim of improving the fairness, transparency and effectiveness of the election process. These changes can involve altering voting methods, modifying electoral boundaries or adopting new campaign finance regulations. Electoral reforms are often undertaken to address concerns about voter representation, political participation and the integrity of elections.

Economic reform:  Economic reform encompasses a range of policy changes aimed at improving a country’s economic performance and efficiency. These changes may involve deregulation, privatisation, trade liberalisation, fiscal discipline or structural adjustments. Economic reforms are often pursued to address macroeconomic imbalances, promote economic growth, enhance productivity and reduce poverty.

Environmental reform:  Environmental reform refers to a range of policy measures and actions aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development. These measures may involve regulating pollution, conserving resources, promoting renewable energy and adapting to climate change. Environmental reforms are essential for addressing environmental degradation, preserving natural ecosystems and safeguarding human health.

In the context of community enterprise and gender equality, environmental reform also refers to changes in the human-made environment that are conducive to societal transformation — for example, inclusivity and access, and creation of positive learning environments and a digital environment to support governance.

Education reform:  Education reform refers to the process of making significant changes to the education system to improve its effectiveness and relevance. It involves evaluating current practices, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new policies and initiatives.

The goals of educational reform will vary depending on the specific context, but they often include improving learning outcomes, increasing equity and access to education, and promoting lifelong learning. Education reforms can be challenging to implement, but they are essential for ensuring that education systems meet the needs of learners in a changing world.