IUCN supports new work to address gender-based violence

IUCN is supporting five new projects to address gender-based violence related to climate change and environmental degradation.

Gender-based violence is used around the world to assert control over land and natural resources, and is often exacerbated in regions experiencing environmental degradation and biodiversity loss caused by climate change and extractive industries.

The Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environments (RISE) grants challenge, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will support five projects across Central America, Eastern and Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. The projects address gender-based violence in the context of environmental conservation, resource use in climate-vulnerable settings, and the protection of indigenous women environmental and human rights defenders.

The RISE grants challenge is the first fund of its kind and is a direct response to research by IUCN that found that the potential for violence towards women and girls is heightened by natural resource scarcity, environmental stressors and threats.

A new call for proposals for RISE 2023 is open. Details can be found at genderandenvironment.org/rise-challenge