Learning from Women's Grassroots Activism: Gender Reflections on Environmental Policy Science and Participatory Processes

Males predominate as politicians and governmental officers, experts, stakeholders and citizens in the majority of environment-related participatory processes. However, not much attention has been given to gender in environmental governance. This paper argues that gender is significant for participatory processes because differences between female and male environment-related interests in information and concerns exist. The argument is explored by highlighting the results of two research projects. First, a survey conducted in Spain (2004) by the FECYT will show gender tendencies in the perceptions of science and technology. Second, a gender study of three citizens' committees that were involved in a number of environmental conflicts in the north-east of Catalonia ( Spain ) will illustrate the discussion regarding women' specific environmental concerns. Throughout the article, different interpretations of the relevance of gender in environmental concerns are explored, mainly in relation to Ecofeminist theories. The paper concludes by proposing further reflections about the relevance and challenges of recognising gender differences in participatory processes embedded in environmental governance.

AGUERA CABO Mercedes; 

2006-11-21

The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

JRC34891