Climate + Gender Justice

Last month, I was in Honiara, Solomon Islands working with our local partners on a number of initiatives. One of those initiatives was a workshop on human rights and community development with an alumni of the recent re:flexing course. Together, we convened a small group of climate justice and emerging human rights advocates, and the workshop blossomed into an exciting new partnership with a feisty community-based organization with a lot of expertise, momentum, and promise -- AHRNA (Apunepara Ha'amwa'ora Natural Resources Association).

AHRNA works in the Malaita province with the goal of improving sustainable development and livelihood conditions among tribes and communities. Operating in the largest magrove forest in the Western Pacific, they are under threat from climate change and from logging and mining companies wanting to establish ports further inland. 

While the organization is focused on protecting the precious natural resources in the area, they have always seen the intersections with human rights. As an example, their two representatives at the workshop were discussing the clear link they have identified between domestic violence and womens’ roles in resource management. When women are excluded from establishing restrictions on certain resources, it impacts families. Women are often blamed for failing to meet livelihood demands despite having no say in the decision making process. This can be a contributing factor for domestic violence. 

AHRNA is committed to building governance practices that set an example for the province, the country, and the world. Including and empowering women in environmental decision making will disrupt patriarchal patterns and usher in greater gender equity. Our collaboration is a powerful opportunity to bridge local expertise in conversation and natural resource management with a rights-based and feminist approach. 

Relationships are central to our process at ICAAD, and this workshop was a powerful opportunity to engage with change makers in the climate and gender justice space. Our shared aspirations to ensure that power is shifted in resource management decision making and advocacy against extractive industry will make waves in the Solomon Islands and set a global example for gender equity in action. 

Links:

• Human Rights and Community Development Workshop Recap