Across the globe, women environmental defenders play a pivotal role in advancing climate justice, protecting forests and ecosystems, challenging extractive industries, and advocating for policies that prioritize people and the planet. Their leadership, however, comes with significant risks, including heightened exposure to digital violence, discrimination, and limited access to justice, funding, and decision-making spaces. These threats undermine their work and highlight the need for systemic protection and support.
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and following climate COP30, UNDP and partners spotlighted women defenders as critical agents of change. Efforts are underway to monitor and address digital violence, strengthen civic spaces, and reform policies, ensuring women’s voices are central to creating sustainable, equitable, and resilient societies.
UNDP collaborates with women-led organizations in over 100 countries, supporting environmental, clean energy, and climate-focused initiatives. In countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda, and Iraq, women defenders leverage technology, such as the AI-powered eMonitor+, to document online abuse, counter digital attacks, and strengthen evidence-based advocacy. These efforts provide defenders with tools to respond to threats and amplify their influence in climate action and environmental protection.
Digital spaces, while offering connection and advocacy opportunities, are also battlegrounds for gender-based violence. Women defenders face harassment, disinformation, and threats designed to silence them. Initiatives like eMonitor+ help monitor and counter these attacks, providing actionable data for policy and advocacy interventions. In Indonesia and the Philippines, these tools inform rapid response mechanisms, strengthen institutional accountability, and ensure timely protection for defenders challenging powerful interests.
Strengthening civic spaces is crucial for women defenders to influence policies and governance safely. In Kenya and Uganda, UNDP-supported programs have developed gender-responsive legal analyses, facilitated dialogues, and created networks for women defenders, integrating gender equality and climate priorities into development plans. These initiatives build resilience, promote mentorship, and ensure grassroots priorities shape policy at local and national levels.
Policy and legal reforms are essential to safeguard women defenders. In Indonesia, a forthcoming Ministerial Decree and Rapid Response Mechanism aim to protect women environmental human rights defenders systematically. Similarly, Uganda is harmonizing natural resource laws with the Human Rights Defenders Bill, integrating climate justice priorities into planning, while regional initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab States work to embed gender-responsive climate and security frameworks.
To strengthen these efforts, governments and partners must move beyond rhetoric to implement protection frameworks, leverage digital tools like eMonitor+, and align climate and environmental finance with women-led solutions. Women defenders’ expertise and priorities are crucial for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and equitable climate solutions. Protecting those who defend our planet is essential for a just, green, and safe future.
