The Role of Women Leadership in Environmental Management

The Role of Women Leadership in Environmental Management

Kiran Shrimant Kakade, Anjali M. Kulkarni, Kasturi R. Naik
Copyright: © 2024 |Pages: 19
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-5986-7.ch003
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Abstract

Women provide environmental management with unique perspectives, skills, and talents that help improve sustainability and conservation. This chapter examines women's unique position in environmental management, emphasising the various disciplines in which they participate and the valuable contributions they make. Women must participate in environmental decision-making processes for long-lasting outcomes. They frequently value long-term environmental sustainability, social equality, and neighborhood well-being highly. Women are better equipped than men to manage complex environmental issues holistically, considering interrelated social, economic, and ecological factors. This chapter reviews the research on women's environmental leadership in environmental management, makes policy recommendations for possible government initiatives to increase the representation of women in environmental decision-making, and identifies areas for additional data collection and research.
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Introduction: Women And The Green Frontier—A Study Of Female Leadership In Environmental Practices

The interaction between human civilization and the natural environment has profoundly shaped societies, particularly in third-world countries. Yet, managing environmental challenges, deeply intertwined with cultural nuances, has become complex. Governments spearhead environmental preservation but require collaboration across all society strata, with a particular emphasis on women. Historically, despite their significant contributions to environmental protection, societal biases have often overshadowed women's roles. With women's actions directly influencing environmental sustainability, international organizations frequently highlight them as pivotal players. By addressing existing challenges, women can harness this potential, effectively driving environmentally friendly behaviors and decisions.

What is Women's Leadership?

Women's leadership refers to the act of women taking on roles of leadership in various sectors and capacities, influencing decisions, policies, and practices, shaping visions, and inspiring others to achieve shared goals. It encompasses not only the presence of women in top-tier positions but also the distinct perspectives, styles, and values they bring to the table. Often characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and holistic thinking, women's leadership frequently emphasizes sustainable growth, social justice, and long-term solutions.

Why is Women’s Leadership Important?

Diverse Perspectives: Leadership that is diversified, encompassing both male and female leaders, is more likely to generate innovative solutions to complex problems. Women bring a unique set of experiences and insights that can foster out-of-the-box thinking.

Holistic Approach: Studies have suggested that women are more likely to take a holistic and inclusive approach to problem-solving. This is particularly crucial for environmental issues that require a multidimensional perspective (Eagly & Carli, 2003).

Enhanced Collaboration: Women leaders often prioritize collaboration, consensus-building, and teamwork. Such a collaborative approach can be vital in environmental practices where multi-stakeholder cooperation is the key.

Ethical Decision Making: Women leaders have been noted for their ethical decision-making approach, which can be instrumental in environmental conservation where ethical considerations are paramount (Kidder, 2001).

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