Amid the increasingly worrying climate crisis and environmental damage, the role of women as agents of change is increasingly real and important. In various corners of the world, women stand at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts, both through local actions and global movements. Women have an important role in environmental issues, for example, women who live in rural areas, often interact directly with nature in their daily lives, from managing water, utilize energy for cooking, and farming. This experience gives them rich traditional knowledge and local wisdom about how to maintain the balance of nature. Then some women live in urban areas, who are adept at separating household waste, bringing drinking bottles to reduce the use of plastic packaging, and utilizing their household waste into compost for plants. 

Women understand that there are impacts from environmental damage that are carried out if they are not aware from an early age, and often these impacts are felt the most severely by women, especially in terms of health, food security, and access to natural resources. This encourages women to become strong environmental protectors. Women who are aware of the importance of the environment are also the biggest change agents for the next generation, as mothers whose role is closely related to the growth and development and early knowledge of children, women who are mothers have the awareness to educate their generation to love and care for their environment. 

Many women are now also innovators in environmentally friendly technologies, such as composting, profitable waste management, to community-based renewable energy. They not only maintain but also create inclusive sustainable solutions. Strengthening the role of women by providing access and space for women’s leadership in the environmental sector can be done through education and training on the environment, women’s involvement in decision-making, recognition of rights and management of natural resources, and also funding for environmental initiators led by women. So that women are no longer victims of the environmental crisis, but heroes who bring hope. With enthusiasm, empathy, and perseverance, women prove that protecting the earth is everyone’s job, but women can be pioneers in this struggle. Now is the time to support and raise the voices of women as guardians of life and the future of the earth. 

Written by: Jenni Irene Connie 

Edited by: Fauzan Ramadhan