Francoise Belmont
Officer-in-Charge
UNEP-Regional Office for Europe
UNEP Geneva Office
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
FAX: 41(22)798-3945
Because of the strong link between politics and the life-supporting systems of the planet, political empowerment is essential if women are to effectively mobilize for environmental action. Even though women are often the first victims of ecological destruction, they can also improve the environment substantially through community action, as was testified in many recent women grassroot actions such as the Chipko movement in India, or the Greenbelt movement in Kenya.
Women can also contribute to improving the environment at the highest level, by holding key political or influential positions. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) activates a group of such women known as the SeniorWomen Advisory Group (SWAG) which acts as an informal network all over the worldto promote the environment cause.
Women's political involvement in environmental issues at all levels has demonstrated their crucial role in mobilizing resources and raising environmental awareness. It has also shown that women can bring spontaneity and creativity in the political process. Women therefore have a key role to play in ecological decision-making.
Return to Opening Plenary
Return to Home Page (Women, Politics, and Environmental Action)