Women in Green Economy

Climate Change Community
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Query: Enhancing Participation of Women in the Green
Economy - Experiences; Advice.
Compiled by Ramesh Jalan, Resource Person and Jai Kumar Gaurav, Research
Associate
Issue Date: 20 January 2012
From Karuna A. Singh, Earth Day Network, Kolkata, West Bengal
Posted 16 December 2011
I am working with Earth Day Network which is involved in organizing the “Women and the Green
Economy” (WAGE®) Campaign (http://www.earthday.org/wage) to increase the opportunities
for women’s leadership in designing and advancing the new Green Economy. According to UNEP,
Green Economy is growth in income and employment driven by public and private investments
that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent
the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalyzed and
supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes.
Limited participation of women in the discussions, planning, and leadership of the newly
emerging Green Economy could squander the opportunities we have to design a cleaner,
sustainable economy and at the same time create a more just society. Therefore, the WAGE
campaign is crucial to achieve the dual benefit of promoting gender equality, empowerment
of women and ensuring environmental sustainability. The challenges faced in enhancing the
participation of women in the economy are:
• Discriminatory laws hampering women entrepreneurs.
• Women-owned companies face problems in scaling up their businesses, including lack of
access to capital and business networks. Women appear more reluctant to apply for loans as
more than 10% of men seek external equity financing, but less than 2% of women do so.
• Women have less access to the global supply chain. Only a fraction of governments and large
corporations actively source from women-owned businesses.
• Women continue to have the primary responsibility for caring for the family in all countries of
the world.
In addition to the challenges to women participation in the economy, there are additional barriers
that limit women participation in the Green economy that the WAGE campaign intends to
address. For effective implementation of the campaign, specific inputs from a wide range of
stakeholders are essential.

Consequently, we request the Climate Change Community members to respond to the following,
particularly with reference to the evolving Green Economy in India and other parts of the world:
• What are the barriers being faced in enhancing the participation of women?
• What policies or programs already being implemented could enhance participation
of women?
• How women could be encouraged to utilize opportunities in technical education particularly in
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)?
In addition, please share any experiences you may have regarding the involvement of
individuals/organizations that are involved in mainstreaming issues related to women when the
entire world is the process of transition to the Green economy.
The ultimate objective of the WAGE campaign is to draw up a list of policy decisions after
building awareness about the issue. Contributions of members will be utilized to modify the
campaign strategy which would evolve at a national consultation proposed early next year. I look
forward to your responses on the above subject that is affecting women all over the world.
Responses were received, with thanks, from
1. Archana Vaidya, Indian Environment Law Offices (IELO), New Delhi
2. Svati Bhogle, Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Banglore,
Karnatka, India
3. Satya Prakash Mehra, Rajputana Society of Natural History, Udaipur, Rajasthan,
India (Response 1, Response 2)
4. Dilruba Haider, UNDP, Bangladesh
5. Krishnan Srinivasaraghavan, Technology Transfer Services Group, Asian and
Pacific Center for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), New Delhi
6. Archana Datta, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI), New Delhi
7. Ravi Nitesh, Mission Bhartiyam, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
8. Maroti A. Upare, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (Response 1, Response 2)
9. Ramesh Jalan, UNDP, New Delhi
10. Tukaram Khandade, Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR),
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
11. Anshuman Das, Development Research Communication and Services Centre
(DRCSC), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
12. Sejuti Sarkar De, Society for Natural Resource Management & Community
Development (SNRMCD), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
13. Muhammad Mukhtar Alam, Centre for Ecological Audit, Social Inclusion and
Governance, New Delhi
14. H.S.Sharma, Sobha Sariya Engineering College, Sikar, Rajasthan, India*
*Offline Contribution
Further contributions are welcome!
Summary of Responses
Comparative Experiences

Related Resources
Responses in Full
Summary of Responses
• Women constitute three-fifths of the global poor population and clear gender disparities
in education, employment and decision-making exists.
• According to UNEP, the green economy results in improved human well-being and social
equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It is
possible to enhance women participation in the green economy leading to dual benefit
of women empowerment and environment sustainability.
• The constitution of several countries including India does not permit discrimination on
the ground of gender. However, capacity building of women through special institutions,
programs, scholarships and educational courses is the need of the hour.
• Implementation of policies for women participation is crucial as in Rajasthan, there are
several examples where women’s participation is on paper, but the command of power is
still with men. Rajputana Society of Natural History (RSNH), Rajasthan has encouraged
women representatives to take active part in government meetings.
• There is a need to demonstrate competency of women in the green economy. For
example a member is involved in the UNDP–GEF supported project on “Energy efficiency
in small scale tea processing units” has involved women in a significant manner.
• Steps including earmarking 20% of donor funds under UNFCCC for women’s adaptation
priorities; empowering women through community based projects; ensuring that
financing mechanisms are flexible, transparent and inclusive; complying with the
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and UN gender
rights commitments would be helpful in enhancing the participation of women in the
green economy.
• Safe working conditions; written policies for elimination of exploitation; skill development
programs; awareness generation programs; apprenticeship; vocational education
programs and specific welfare facilities are crucial for facilitating participation of women.
Specific polices such as the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-traditional Occupations
(WANTO) Act of 1992 in the US could be replicated in other countries to increase the
percentage of women engaged in non-traditional occupation including jobs related to the
green economy.
• There is a need to replicate activities such as the UNDP project in Sierra Leone on scaling
up of the marketing of fish by women, microfinance program for aquaculture
development in Vietnam, the Friends of Women's World Banking, India (FWWB) and
CARE India, Credit and Savings for Household Enterprises (CASHE) programmes to
support women entrepreneurs with focus on the green economy.
• To increase the number of women entrepreneurs, there is a need to create demand for
green products while facilitating the engagement of women in business. For example the
Cambodian Fuel wood Saving Project (CFSP) aimed primarily at reducing fuel wood
consumption by adoption of efficient stoves also supported women entrepreneurs to
manage a stove production center.

• The All India Women Conference (AIWC) initiated a pilot project in resettlement colonies
of Delhi wherein women are provided solar lantern and charging stations to become
entrepreneurs. The Lighting a Billion Lives project by The Energy and Resources Institute
is also facilitating women to become entrepreneurs by providing solar lanterns on rent.
• Fabrication and maintenance of parabolized solar cookers by Women Barefoot Solar
Cooker Engineers Society, Tilonia, Rajasthan is an ideal example of job creation for
women in the green economy.
• It is important to utilize “Gender Budgeting” as a tool for women’s empowerment as it
includes financial resource allocation for programmes, providing services to enable
women to realize their potential and assessment of the impact of government funding for
women.
• A wide variety of women-empowering initiatives have been taken up over the last few
decades by the Government of India. For example the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), the
National Credit Fund for Women, Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act and programmes by the Department of Women and
Child Development. There is a need to integrate activities related to the green economy
in the ongoing government programmes focusing on women’s empowerment.
• Research and training institutions could play a role in the capacity building of women.
For example, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) imparts hands-on
training to women.
• Activities related to the utilization of natural resources, promotion of sustainable
agriculture undertaken by women SHGs could be promoted by the government as part of
the transition process to the green economy. For example women, SHGs are managing
vermi-compost units in West Bengal and Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project
(OFSDP) women SHGs are marketing Non-Timber Forest Products.
• Women form around 43 % of agricultural labour force in developing countries (FAO,
2010-11) but they lack knowledge on improved varieties of seeds, modern farming
technologies and use of farm machineries. Therefore sustainable agriculture-related
training is crucial for women farmers.
• Sectors such as handloom and handicrafts that employ women artisans are supported by
various schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry
of Textiles, etc. It is possible to encourage green products in these sectors. For example
tribal women groups of Ghazole, West Bengal make bamboo handicrafts.
• The Growth Oriented Micro-enterprise Development (GMED) programme has organized
and trained women rag pickers to work in the MSW management sector which has
enormous potential for employing women in the green economy.
• To enhance participation of women in technical education particularly in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) there is a need to link such
programmes with the traditional practices and local requirements.

• The ‘Stree Shakti’ Programme of Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi
provides entrepreneurship development trainings to women from economically weaker
sections (EWS) that could include facilitating women for STEM-related education.
• The rural women’s groups formed under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
(SGSY) could also be provided technical education facilities at lower cost.
• In India 50% of the 3,00,000 engineers graduating every year are women and the
percentage has increased from around 20% in 2000. Despite the number of women
engineers very few purse the profession due to lack of supportive policies.
• Although specific information about participation of women in manufacturing related to
the green economy in India is not available, in 2007 women comprised only 10.9% of
workforce in Indian manufacturing sector.
• Organization Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) India is involved in creating
awareness about role of women in the sector. Specific policies and programmes are
needed to encourage women participation along with formation of organizations like the
Society of Women Engineers to support women.
• A women architect in Bangalore has been responsible for designing and constructing
over 600 eco-friendly houses in and around the city in the last decade. In addition
several women architects in India have been successful in promoting green buildings.
• The South Asia Women in Energy Network brings together women energy sector
professionals to develop sustainable approaches through low-cost energy efficient
products.
• Women are playing a leading role in biodiversity conservation sector as initiatives like
Navdanya, Gene Campaign and India’s Endangered are led by women.
• Enhanced awareness, specific policies and programmes facilitating participation of
women in the green economy would play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future
for humanity.
Comparative Experiences
From Maroti A. Upare, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Sierra Leone
Providing Transport Facility to Fisherwomen
A UNDP project in Sierra Leone helped upscale marketing of fish by providing transport facilities
to fisherwomen. Read more
Vietnam
Microfinancing for Women Entreprenures
In Vietnam, a microfinance programme specially designed for north hilly regions involved
promotion of aquaculture. The finance provided led to rural poverty alleviation of about 4000
families in three provinces Read more

India
Microfinancing for Women Entreprenures
The Friends of Women's World Banking, India (FWWB) along with CARE India implemented the
Credit and Savings for Household Enterprises (CASHE) programme focusing on women. It
included providing credit, technical assistance and integrated social security provisions for
empowering poor women. Read more
Lighting a Billion Lives (from Anil Gupta, Consumer India, New Delhi, India Shared in
response to a previous query)
The campaign aims to provide lighting to one billion rural people in India by replacing the
kerosene and paraffin lanterns with solar lighting devices. The project is managed by TERI
through creation of local entrepreneur-driven delivery channels for distribution and servicing of
solar lanterns to rural communities. Preference is given to women interested in the programme.
The solar lantern designed for the Campaign, lights up for 4-5 hours daily using CFL and 6-7
hours using LEDs. Read more
From Krishnan Srinivasaraghavan, Technology Transfer Services Group, Asian and Pacific Center
for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and the Pacific (UNESCAP), New Delhi
Cambodia
The Cambodian Fuel wood Saving Project (CFSP)
The project encompasses Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development, job creation and
income generation through promotion of production and sale of efficient cookstoves leading to
reduction in fuel wood consumption. Four out of the 15 production centers are managed by
women. Read more
Delhi
Providing Solar Lanterns and Charging Stations to Women
All India Women Conference (AIWC) is implementing two pilot projects in resettlement colonies
in Delhi wherein women are provided solar lantern and charging stations. Women charge their
lanterns in daytime and rent them to street vendors and those houses which do not have
electricity. Similarly solar powered water purifier has been installed and the potable water is sold
by women at very nominal rates. Read more
Rajasthan
Women Solar Cooker Engineers, Tilonia
The Women Barefoot Solar Cooker Engineers Society, Tilonia in Rajasthan comprise of women
trained in fabricating and maintaining parabolized solar cookers. Women have installed solar
cookers in villages as well as in the residence of Barefoot College workers. The Women Solar
Cooker Engineers periodically repair and maintain the cookers installed. Read more
Rajasthan
Encouraging Women Representatives to Participate in Government Meetings,
Bharatpur (from Satya Prakash Mehra, Rajputana Society of Natural History, Udaipur,
Rajasthan, India)
In several villages of Rajasthan, women participation in local government bodies is on the papers
only. Rajputana Society of Natural History (RSNH) took a lead in rural areas of Bharatpur by

encouraging women representatives to participate in the government meetings and in decision
making related to development activites. Read more
Karnataka
Women Leadership in the Green Economy, Bangalore (from Svati Bhogle, Technology
Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Bangalore, Karnataka, India)
The UNDP –GEF supported project on “Energy efficiency in small scale tea processing units” was
successfully managed by a woman. She is also managing Technology Informatics Design
Endeavour (TIDE), a non profit organization and leading Sustaintech Ltd. a company
incorporated to sell wood burning stoves to commercial kitchens. Read more
From Sejuti Sarkar De, Society for Natural Resource Management & Community Development
(SNRMCD), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
India
Growth Oriented Micro-enterprise Development (GMED) programme
GMED through its solid waste management subcomponent provided training and guidance to
municipalities for the outsourcing of solid waste management activities to Micro and Small
Enterprises (MSEs). Women rag pickers were provided formal employment for door-to-door
waste collection, segregation of waste into bio-degradable and non-biodegradables and other
activities related to MSW management. Read more
West Bengal
Women SHGs Managing Composting Units, Malda
Women SHGs in Malda district of West Bengal are managing vermi-composting units. Such SHGs
are able to access financing not available to individual women members.
Promotion of Handicrafts made using Bamboo, Ghazole
Society for Natural Resource Management & Community Development (SNRMCD) is supporting
tribal women groups of Ghazole in West Bengal to market handicrafts made using bamboo as
green products.
Odisha
Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP)
The project supports women SHGs to sell forest products including cashew, char, ginger, hill
broom, Mahua, tamarind, siali & turmeric. It is helping in improving the living condition of the
people residing in and around the forest by providing them livelihood options consistent with
conservation of forest and its sustainable management. Read more
Delhi
‘Stree Shakti’ Programme
The programme being implemented by the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of
Delhi provides entrepreneurship development trainings including computer literacy, training on
leadership and getting credit linkages to women from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). it
could include programmes related to the green economy. Read more
South Asia

The South Asia Women in Energy Network (from Jai Kumar Gaurav, UNDP, New Delhi)
The South Asia Women in Energy (SAWIE) is involved in capacity building of women energy
sector professionals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and
Sri Lanka to understand, identify and develop sustainable approaches to providing low-cost
efficient energy to poor women and men in rural and urban areas. Read more
India
Women Architects Promoting Green Buildings
A woman architect based in Bangalore has been responsible for designing and constructing over
600 eco-friendly houses in and around her city in the last decade. A Mumbai based women
architect has designed several energy efficient buildings in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and
Karur, among other places. Read more
Related Resources
Recommended Documentation
Effective Management of Technology Transfer, in Particular of Clean and Renewable
Technologies, for Enhancing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Sized
Enterprises (SMEs) including its Gender Dimension
Report; by Dr. K. Ramanathan and Dr. S. Krishnan; United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Asian and Pacific Center for Transfer of
Technology (APCTT), UNESCAP; New Delhi March 2011
Available at http://recap.apctt.org/APCTT_RET%20publication_Sanjay%20Bali_Final.pdf (PDF;
1.71 MB)
The report provides information about role of clean technologies in SME sector and
initiatives involving women in the green economy from India, Bangladesh. Cambodia etc.
Gender, Water Security and Climate Change in Asia-Pacific
Presentation; by S. Ahmed; International Development Research Centre; United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); New Delhi; 2011.
Available at http://www.unescap.org/ESID/GAD/Events/EGM_Beijing_+15/Sara-Ahmed-Climate-
Change.pdf (PDF; 184 KB)
The presentation includes suggestions related to adaptation projects empowering women
and policies required for ensuring water security.
Women’s Empowerment through Gender Budgeting- A review in the Indian context
(from Tukaram Khandade, Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR),
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India)
Paper; by A. Goyal; Department of Women and Child Development, Government of India;
Publisher; New Delhi; 2007
Available at http://wcd.nic.in/gbsummary/GBppr_AG.pdf (PDF; 202 KB)
The paper highlights gender budgeting in India and its contribution to women
empowerment.
Best Practices for Microfinance for Coastal Community in India (from Maroti A. Upare,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)

Report; by Villareal, L.V.; Upare, M.A; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Rome, Italy;
2003.
Available at http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5046E/Y5046E00.HTM (HTML)
The report highlights the role of microfinance programmes in creating livelihood
opportunities for women.
Green economy Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication (from
Sejuti Sarkar De, Society for Natural Resource Management & Community Development
(SNRMCD), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Report; by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Nairobi, Kenya; 2011.
Available at
http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/Portals/88/documents/ger/GER_synthesis_en.pdf (PDF;
3.08 MB)
The report provides details of the green economy along with its potential to supports
economic growth, enhance income and create jobs.
Supporting national development objectives with co-benefits of mitigating climate
change (from Svati Bhogle, Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Bangalore,
Karnataka, India)
Project Report; by United Nations Development Programme; New Delhi, India; 2008.
Available at http://www.undp.org.in/sites/default/files/CC-Brief.pdf (PDF; 285 KB)
The report provides details of the “Energy efficiency in small scale tea processing units”
project that has been implemented by UNDP and TIDE.
Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (from Anshuman Das, Development Research
Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC), Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Web platform; by Government of Odisha; Odisha
Available at http://angul.nic.in/sgsy.htm (HTML)
The platform provides information about the government of India programme providing
support for self employment to below poverty line families.
Growth-Oriented Microenterprise Development Program (GMED)
Web platform; by ACDI/VOCA; 2008.
Available at http://www.acdivoca.org/site/ID/indiaGMED/ (HTML)
The platform provides detailed information about GMED programme funded by USAID
that includes support to a MSW management project involving women.
Stree Shakti (Power Of Woman) Programme
Web platfrom; by Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi;
New Delhi, India
Available at http://wcd.delhigovt.nic.in/streesakti.html (HTML)
The platform provides details of the Power of Women programme that could include
training for women entrepreneurs in the green economy.
The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Act (from
Archana Datta, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), New Delhi)
Web platform: by U.S. Dept. of Labor - Women’s Bureau; USA
Available at http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-
system/operations/Fiscal/Program%20Management/Fair%20Labor%20Standards%20Act/USDept
ofLab.htm (HTML)

The Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to award grants to promote
the recruitment, training and retention of women in nontraditional occupations.
From Jai Kumar Gaurav, UNDP, New Delhi
What drives women out of Engineering jobs?
Article; by Krishna Gupta; Silicon India; March 2011.
Available at http://macinfosoft.com/blog/2011/03/what-drives-women-out-of-engineering-jobs-
by-silicon-india/ (HTML)
The article elaborates on the challenges to women engineers leading to their limited
participation in the sector.
India's women architects of eco-friendly home
Article; by Surekha Kadapa-Bose; One World South Asia; Mumbai; 30 July 2010.
Available at http://southasia.oneworld.net/fromthegrassroots/indias-women-architects-of-
ecofriendly-home (HTML)
The article highlights achievements of Women architects in promoting green buildings.
Engineering Education in India
Report; by Rangan Banerjee and Vinayak P. Muley; IIT Bombay; Mumbai, Maharashtra;
September 14, 2007
Available at http://www.ese.iitb.ac.in/EnEdu.pdf (PDF 1.1 MB)
The report provides details of the status of engineering education in India and highlights
women participation in the sector.
Women's share in Indian manufacturing sector unaltered: UNIDO
Article; by Indian Express; New Delhi; 29 March 2011.
Available at http://www.indianexpress.com/news/womens-share-in-indian-manufacturing-sect-
u/768797/ (HTML)
The article provides information about the share of women in Indian manufacturing
sector.
Recommended Organizations and Programmes
Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific, New Delhi, India
APCTT Building, C-2, Qutab Institutional Area P.O.Box: 4575, Pin: 110 016, New Delhi; Tel: 91-
11-26966509; Fax: 91-11-26856274; http://www.apctt.org/
The centre assists members of ESCAP through strengthening their capabilities to develop
and manage national innovation systems, develop, transfer, adapt and apply technology.
Self Employed Women’s Organization, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
SEWA Reception Centre, Opp. Victoria Garden, Bhadra, Ahmedabad–380001, Gujarat; Tel: 91-79-
25506444/77.; Fax: 91-79-25506446. mail@sewa.org; http://www.sewa.org/services/index.asp;
Organization provides microfinance services including financing small home appliances to
its members.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, New York, USA

2 UN Plaza, DC2-12th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA; Fax: 1-212-963-3463;
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/committee.htm.
The committee oversees the progress for women in countries that are parties to the
1979 Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
From Svati Bhogle, Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Bangalore, Karnataka,
India
Sustain Tech India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka
#19, 9th Cross, b/w 6th & 7th Main Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 003; Tel: 080-2331 56 56.;
info@sustaintech.in; http://www.sustaintech.in/;
Sustaintech is a start-up social enterprise that promotes the rapid adoption of sustainable
energy technologies with involvement of women.
Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Bangalore, Karnataka
No.19, 9th
Cross, 6th
Main, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003, Karnataka; Tel: 91-80-2331-5656,
2346-2032.; Fax: 91-80-2334-4555. tide@vsnl.com; www.tide-india.org
Organization promoting renewable energy technologies, technologies for informal
process industries, water and environment management etc.
From Maroti A. Upare, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Friends of Women's World Banking (FWWB), Ahmedabad, Gujarat
101, Sakar- I Building, Opp. Gandhigram Station, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad -380009; Tel: 91-
79-2658 0119.; Fax: 91-79-26580119. fwwb@fwwbindia.org; http://fwwbindia.org/
Organization providing financial and capacity building services to organizations promoting
livelihoods and self-reliance of poor women.
CARE India, New Delhi, India
E-46/12, Okhla Industrial Area - Phase II, New Delhi - 110020, India; Tel: 91-11-49101100/01.;
Fax: 91-11-26385291/92.; http://www.careindia.org/
The organization is working with poor women and girls from the most disadvantaged
communities to improve their living standards.
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (National Credit Fund for Women), New Delhi, India
1, Abul Fazal Road, Bengali Market, New Delhi - 110 001; Tel: 011-23354619.; Fax: 011-
23354621. ed_rmk@nic.in; http://rmk.nic.in/
The organization is involved in development of micro-credit and micro saving
programmes for women in India.
Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, Maharashtra
Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 061; Tel: 22-2636-1446; Fax: 22-2636-1573.
contact@cife.edu.in; http://www.cife.edu.in/cifemod2/index.php.
The institute is involved in cutting edge research on fisheries and has been involved in
training of women.
From Anshuman Das, Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC),
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Ministry of Women and Child Development, New Delhi, India
6th Floor A Wing Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi : 110001; Contact Ms. Neela Gangadharan;
Secretary; Tel: 011-23383586.; secy.wcd@nic.in

The Ministry is responsible for policies and programmes focusing on the advancement of
women and children in India.
Development Research Communication & Services Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal
58A, Dharmotola Road, Bosepukur, Kasba, Kolkata 700042, West Bengal; Tel: 033 2442 7311.;
Fax: 033 2442 7563. drcsc.ind@gmail.com; http://www.drcsc.org/index.html
Organization is involved in saving-sharing-exchange of seeds and Traditional Knowledge
among farmers and application of fertilizers & pest repellents based on biomass.
Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP), Bhubaneswar, Odisha
SFTRI Campus, Seminar Block, AT/PO Ghatikia, Bhubaneswar 751003; Tel: 0674-2384084.; Fax:
0674-2384085. webmail@osfdp.orgl; http://www.ofsdp.org/default.htm; Contact Title. Name;
Job Designation; Tel: Telephone No.; Email
The project is improving the living condition of the people residing in and around the
forest by providing them sustainable livelihood options.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
http://nrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx; Contact Ms. Amita Sharma; Joint Secretary; Tel:
23385027,23384703.; amita712@yahoo.co.uk
The Act aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by
guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a financial year.
The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi(from Anil Gupta, Consumer India, New
Delhi Shared in response to a previous query)
Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003; Tel: 91-11-2468 2100; Fax:
91-11-24682144; mailbox@teri.res.in; http://www.teriin.org/index.php
A research institute focusing its research activities in the fields of energy, environment
and sustainable development
Gene Campaign, New Delhi(from Suman Sahai, Gene Campaign, New Delhi Shared in
J-235/A, Lane W-15C, Sainik Farms, New Delhi-110 062, India; Tel: 91-11-29556248; Fax: 91-
11-29555961 mail@genecampaign.org; http://www.genecampaign.org/;
Gene Campaign, a leading research and advocacy organisation, has been working to
empower local communities to retain control over their genetic resources.
Navdanya, New Delhi(from Laxmi Prasad Pant, University of Guelph, Canada Shared in
A-60, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110 016; Tel: 91-11-26968077; Fax: 91-11-26856795
navdanya@gmail.com; http://www.navdanya.org/home; Contact Dr.. V. Shiva; Tel: 91-11-
26532561; vandana@vandanashiva.com
Navdanya is a network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across 16 states in
India.
From Jai Kumar Gaurav, UNDP, New Delhi
Women in Science and Engineering, New Delhi
H-333 New Rajender Nagar, New Delhi 110060; Tel: 09811776210.; wise.wiseindia@gmail.com;
http://wiseindia.org/; Contact Title. Name; Job Designation; Tel: Telephone No.; Email

WISE India aims to spread a message of awareness about the strengths and success
stories of women engineers.
The South Asia Women in Energy Network, South Asia
http://www.sari-energy.org/PageFiles/What_We_Do/activities/SAWIE/SAWIE_Main.asp; Contact
Ms. Mercy Thomas; Program Manager methomas@usaid.gov
The network is involved in capacity building of women energy sector professionals to tap
the opportunities in the sector.
The Society of Women Engineers, Chicago, USA
203 N La Salle Street, Suite 1675 Chicago, IL 60601, USA; Tel: 877.793.4636 hq@swe.org;
http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/
SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in engineering by providing
scholarships, awards and professional development support.
.
Recommended Portals and Information Bases
India’s Endangered Indore, Madhya Pradesh (from Jai Kumar Gaurav, UNDP, New Delhi)
http://indiasendangered.com/; Contact Ms.; Atula Gupta; Founder.
The platform provides news, views and information about the endangered plants and
animals in India.
Related Consolidated Replies
Micro Finance options for access to clean energy, from Svati Bhogle, Sustaintech
India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka, India (Experiences; Referrals). Climate Change
and Microfinance Community, New Delhi,
Issued 08/November/2011. Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/cr/cr-se-
clmt-mf-10101101.pdfl (PDF,104 KB)
Includes innovative models, methods, mechanisms to provide microfinance services for
purchase of fuel efficient energy products..
Mainstreaming Gender Issues in Climate Change Adaptation, from Subhadra Channa,
Delhi University, New Delhi (Experiences; Referrals). Climate Change Community,
New Delhi,
Issued 22/June/2011. Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/cr/cr-se-clmt-
12051101.pdf (PDF,184 KB)
An analysis of climate change impacts on women, their response and suggestions on
measures for mainstreaming gender issues in climate change adaptation.
Enhancing Adaptive Capacity of Urban Poor Women, from Sakshi Saini, Department
of Development Communication and Extension, University of Delhi, New Delhi
(Advice, Examples). Climate Change Community, New Delhi,
Issued 08/Februrary/2011. Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/cr/cr-se-
clmt-ictd-14011101.pdf (PDF,160 KB)
Campaign strategies for urban poor women on adaptation in Delhi were discussed.
Involving Self Help Groups in Addressing Climate Change, from Mathews Mullackal,
Green- Harmony, Kollam, Kerala (Experiences; Referrals). Climate Change
Community and Microfinance Community, New Delhi,
Issued 23/August/2010. Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/cr/cr-se-clmt-
mf-05071001.pdf (PDF,640 KB)

Experiences of involving SHGs in tree plantation by providing innovative interest free
credit through microfinance were highlighted.
Financing Adaptation to Climate Change, from Shantanu Mitra, DFID, New Delhi
(Experiences; Advice). Climate Change Community, New Delhi,
Issued 08/December/2010. Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/cr/cr-se-
clmt-18101001.pdf (PDF,160 KB)
Innovative adaptation financing techniques along with policy changes that are required
to facilitate and incentivize private sector investment in adaptation were highlighted.
Responses in Full
Archana Vaidya, Indian Environment Law Offices (IELO), New Delhi
At the outset I would like to flag one important point i.e. the constitution of our country does not
allow random discrimination on the ground of gender. If there is any law, policy, rule or
regulation which happens to infringe upon this basic fundamental principle the same can be
challenged in the court of law and struck down as being violative of the constitution.
Having said that, our job is not complete by just ensuring that the opportunities for men and
women are the same, we also have to ensure that the capacity of men and women to avail of
these opportunities is also the same. That is where the real task lies. If we are serious about
gender equality in the real sense of the word, in every aspect of life then we need to do a
"gender scan" of the law/policy/regulatory/institutional framework in the country, if the same has
not been done so far.
We need to ensure that particular socio-economic and educational sensitivities of women in a
given society are taken into account while legislating for that society. If we want to reach out to
women, we not only have to understand what they want in terms of their needs but also as to
how to reach them or ensure that they get the rights/privileges/benefits/perks that they deserve.
We need to understand her educational, social and financial status to be able to tailor the
solutions to her requirement. We need to know the real problem as to why women-owned
companies face problems in scaling up their businesses, including lack of access to capital and
business networks. Why women have less access to the global supply chain and only a fraction of
governments and large corporations actively source from women-owned businesses.
Is it because of discriminatory laws or it is because of some other factors. If it is the law that is
discriminating then the solution is simple, if other factors are responsible then we need to
understand them and find viable solutions.
Women participation at the highest policy formulation and decision making level is of critical
importance to ensure incorporation of their perspective and in making policies and decisions
sensitive to their special needs.
Svati Bhogle, Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), Bangalore,
Karnataka, India
It is true that there is currently limited participation of women and insufficient women leadership
in the green economy. This is an extension of the larger malaise of inadequate participation of
women in other aspects of the economy as well. But considering the multiple aspects of
transition to a green economy and the urgency associated around it, I believe that there is also
an opportunity for women to not only participate in its growth but also in a manner that
preferentially addresses women’s needs and eases their stress and pain.

One possibility of increasing participation of women in green economy is to target schools of
social work that have a large proportion of girls. They bring to the development sector skills like
effective communication, training, motivation, conflict resolution etc. If these schools of social
work have courses or specialization in entrepreneurship development, renewable energy, bio
diversity, water management then they could be potential agents of change.
The task of building a greener planet is gradually emerging out of the development sector (driven
by civil society led initiatives) to a more commercial approach (perhaps driven by business
establishments). The participation and contribution of women in the development sector has
been much better than in many other sectors. Women in development must transition to
becoming women in green business. They would bring to the green economy both women’s
commitment and competence. They would be valued for their insights besides of course their
wealth of experience in development.
It is also important for women to demonstrate their competence in green economy. This would
inspire confidence among other women, create an eco-system for women’s contribution and
silence the skeptics.
I am presently trying to break barriers myself by a two pronged strategy. One approach is to
work closely with government and demonstrate success of women led projects. This would lead
to higher acceptance of women leaders. The UNDP –GEF supported project on “Energy efficiency
in small scale tea processing units” that I manage has achieved great success. Besides building
confidence in women led projects it has also created a mind set change in a traditional male
dominated industry that women can be technically competent. The industry is making
investments in energy conservation equipment based on our project recommendations. The Tea
Board of India is now extremely supportive of the energy conservation initiatives taken by this
project.
The second approach is to mange a green business myself. In addition to managing Technology
Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), a non profit organization, I have with a few supportive
male colleagues promoted Sustaintech a company incorporated to sell wood burning stoves to
commercial kitchens. The transition from development / civil society to commerce was not easy
but necessary for overcoming scaling up challenges. This required acquiring new skills, engaging
in business discussions to attract investments, creating a sales team etc.. There were additional
barriers that I had to overcome myself – can I do it? Am I taking on too many things? How can I
combine so many different roles? Our company has now in its first year of full scale operation
achieved a sales turnover of Rs 6 million with several start up problems overcome through sheer
determination and sense of purpose. I knew that as a woman it would be harder but that only
increased the resolve.
The learning for me from these experiences in contributing to the green economy has been –
that yes, in some ways it is harder. It is harder to raise funds, influence the banking sector and
generally establishments that are rigidly commerce driven. But while competence of women may
be in doubt their commitment is usually not questioned. Women’s businesses may not be viewed
as daring/making great profits but have a very high social impact which is valued.
I think that if the metrics that determine success of a green business are social, economic and
environmental impact and not return on investments alone, then green business would need and
attract more women who can contribute meaningfully.
Satya Prakash Mehra, Rajputana Society of Natural History, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Please find below my response to the query:

What are the barriers being faced in enhancing the participation of women?
First and foremost of the barriers is the male dominance. In Rajasthan, there are several
examples where women participation is there on the papers but the work or command of powers
are still in the hands of males. We would like to quote examples from rural areas of north-eastern
(Bharatpur) and southern (Sirohi).
Example 1: The "Sarpanch" of a village in district Sirohi is a woman but all the work is done by
his male counterpart. She had never shown her face to public. Interestingly majority of villagers
who voted even don't know her personally. On the contrary, everyone knows her male
counterpart who deals in all the activities.
Example 2: The situation of Bharatpur rural areas is much worst. The authority lies in hands of
males. In one of the villages the Panchayat is managed by Lady Sarpanch's son. Same is the case
in another Village Panchayat where Sarpanch's husband deals with all the matter. They even
wish to call them "Sarpanch Pati" and even the signing authority is his husband.
We also found that even in Government meetings, male counterparts participate instead of
women representatives......... Now, in such situation what's the use of reserving seats for women
candidate??????
In such a situation how the participation of women could be justified? If the women leaders dare
to step up, the male counterparts harass their participation. We observed such situation at many
instances.
What policies or programs already being implemented could enhance participation of
women?
We feel that "strict implementation of the policies for women participation" should be encouraged
at every level. The government should ban the male counterparts to attend the administrative
meetings. Further, grass root level NGOs should step ahead to encourage women
leaders'/representatives' participation in public events.
Rajputana Society of Natural History (RSNH) took a lead in rural areas of Bharatpur as in every
event the women representatives are called for the lectures as well as delivering the talks instead
of their counterpart. This changed the scenario in the village Chak Ramnagar where women
SHGs are taking lead to resolve the community problems. A lady Panchayat Samiti Member is
taking active part in all the government meetings as well as taking lead in motivating the women
of the village to take part in development works of village/ community. Secretary - RSNH along
with Field Officer - RSNH are providing training to the village girls and women interested in
economic development of their community through promoting their traditional art culture of
making artifacts from the locally available resources. Through this work, we are not only
encouraging the women participation in developing source of income for their family but also
reviving the local plant species and the ecological set up. Thus, RSNH is working on the principle
of "Conservation practices for sustainable livelihood".
How women could be encouraged to utilize opportunities in technical education
particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)?
We feel that if we could protect our traditional & cultural heritage than we could gain much more
than what we get from modern culture. To justify, we could say that the women participation
needs to be encouraged through new policies and processes as existing processes discourage

them. For example it's not possible for the girls/women from the rural/deprived section of
community to step ahead and follow up the existing processes. This is not only the case for
rural/deprived sections but also in the urban community. Most of the parents feel that their
daughters or women counterparts could step ahead, if the process is easier but do not allow
them to step ahead when process is tough.
The cultural practice of giving training to adolescent girls by their elderly females like mothers,
grandmothers etc. in fields related to sewing, dyeing, embroidery, printing etc. was once
common in Banjara community. RSNH revived these practices in Chak Ramnagar. These cultural
practices, if encouraged, could provide much better results. The artifacts prepared by the
community through their cultural practices are in demand now-a-days when the concept of
Global Village is coming up. Further, cultural technical education is more eco-friendly than the
formal ones.
Our emphasis is that whatever opportunities are available for the women in formal technical
education let them be connected with the traditional practices and local requirements instead of
deciding the trades from the above. If trades are decided from the demand of grass root groups
than the participation will increase as the women will get chance to shape their natural/
traditional talents through formal education.
Last but not least we would like to request the Climate Change Community members to select
and apply practices, programmes that could protect our cultural technical practices as well. Every
culture is scientific and advanced. The only point is to encourage and explore the possibilities to
work for sustainability of target community. There is a need to support local cultural ethics and
sustain the local community with the conservation of natural resources for the mutual benefits.
Dilruba Haider, UNDP, Bangladesh
I would like to look at this issue from another perspective:
Why are we thinking about green economy? Answer: because we are planning and working for
reducing carbon emission. Why? Answer: because we want to avert a climatic catastrophe and
sustain the earth. So? Answer: we need to follow a sustainable development pathway. Now
sustainability has three pillars: economic, social and environmental sustainability. While we are
thinking about economy, green economy in this case, let us be wary that we do not narrow it
down to the monetary perspectives only.
Growth and economic achievements have been measured in monetary terms for way too long,
which in effect excluded the critical contributions women make in growth. In Bangladesh,
women’s contribution in agriculture sector (labour) amounts to almost 50%. Yet women are not
seen as a stakeholder in agricultural development! Women’s labour at household level in raising
children, looking after elderly, preparing food, looking after the cattle, poultry and kitchen
gardening are never estimated in the monetary term, thus neglecting economic contribution of
women to the society and the country.
Now, while we talk about women's participation into green economy, we should not mean only
their involvement into economically profitable activities. They could actually contribute greatly in
'green' development, reducing carbon emission through other, rather long term and more
effective manners. One is educating the future generation to be sensitive, even religiously
following green development pathway. We know that the fastest growth of population is in the
developing world, firstly with phenomenal expansion in urban population, and secondly with the
population bulge of young people. Women can play a crucial role in paradigm shift in cultural

change in people's behavior, lifestyle, and down the line in policy making under the
circumstances.
Urban population's carbon footprint is far bigger than the rural population: use of electricity,
household appliances, motorized transports, etc. With the rate of economic growth that the 'New
South' has seen over the last 20 years since Rio, if the young population in the developing
nations like India, China keep chasing their aspirations 'developed world style', UNFCCC or any
other force could never stop the world from getting warmer to the point of no return! However, if
the mothers can be motivated they can educate their children to adopt a low carbon footprint
lifestyle, which would be much bigger a contribution than them getting their share in the pie of
green jobs.
In Rio+20 the world will look back on 'sustainable development', which is not just about growth,
but also about a development pathway that ensures bright and prosperous world for the present
and future generation and sustain the existing human capital, natural capital and knowledge
capital. In fact green economy would soon become a driving force in the world development but
it would not be enough for sustainable development. It would need a strong alliance with social
development.
So, from the opportunity cost point of view, women’s involvement in the other two pillars of
sustainable development: social and environment could be much more beneficial. For that we
need to educate our women and girls, giving focus on environmental issues, have special
courses, projects, schemes for them. Government could provide incentives for girls studying
environmental studies in secondary and higher secondary levels. I am sure the gender specialists
and social development experts could devise some clever and doable strategies in this regard.
Satya Prakash Mehra, Rajputana Society of Natural History, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
(Response 2)
Greetings!
Dilruba Haider raised the concern for growing economic giants of the world, "if the young
population in the developing nations like India, China keeps chasing their aspirations 'developed
world style'........". This is very true for the changing economic scenario of both the countries.
The blind race for development has affected the sustainable and eco-friendly traditions.
In India still two-third population is rural and depends on the agriculture sector. Reports show
that over 80% of the agriculture work is done by women in rural areas and also it is estimated
that of the total agriculture production 55-66% of the contribution comes from women. In the
age of globalization and involvement of the modern techniques of agriculture, what will be the
fate of these women in agriculture? On one side the global platform provides advancement
through technological innovations and on the other, we raise our concern for the sustainability of
green economy. In such situation what's the solution? Every technological intervention is
associated with deterioration of environment at some point. Further, these interventions are also
raising unemployment at least for the country like ours. Along with these advances, we are also
inviting other hazards related to Social, Cultural and Health.
I again draw attention to my earlier submission, that we should raise concern over the traditional
practices. Every nation has got their cultural and natural heritage that is more eco-centric. But
we are losing the eco-ethical approach of our heritage by just running behind the modern means
of practices which are just like slow poison. In the rural set up, even today work of Indian
women starts the early morning and ends late evening. In their busy schedule they complete

their routine to look after family, agriculture etc. Their routine is eco-friendly; every activity has
the message of environment protection and conservation of natural resources.
Now, have a look at one site which is now considered developed.......
The importance of water is well known to the common man in Rajasthan. One such human
settlement was having water problems but with the development of canal they are getting
tapped water. Women now do not fetch water from long distances. Along with this, the
agricultural cropping pattern has changed. Now, farmers are engaging themselves in growing
more than one crop due to irrigation facility through canals. To protect their farms, they need
extra services like keeping wild animals away from their crop.
Let's take positive side of this small step: Water problem is solved, women got time for
other activities which could be used in positive manner. The changing crop pattern and
associated agricultural practices, more than one harvest, change in economic status of women
and development of the society.
Let's take negative side of this small step: Changed social behavior, no more affection and
compassion towards wild animals (now they are enemy of their crops), use of advanced
techniques of agricultural practices, excessive use of synthetic chemicals in farm lands....
Let's take impact on Women exclusively: Concern for water conservation, workload,
adaptation to the extreme climate, health problems, social responsibility to some extent...... and
lots of other aspects that degraded their lifestyle. The concept of green economy is a failure in
such a situation. Women are no more interested in small-scale enterprises which were once part
of their household income and protection of local natural resources. Modern comfort articles are
in demand and so the demand for energy is increasing.
I am not against development neither against the use of modern techniques but at what cost we
are inviting development is a question.
Above example is just a part of our Socio-Ecological Study done in the villages of arid and semi-
arid parts of Rajasthan where we assessed the impact of canals or improvement of water supply
on the lifestyle and behavior of humans targeting different sectors. Women are considered as a
major part of our assessment.
Krishnan Srinivasaraghavan, Technology Transfer Services Group, Asian and Pacific
Center for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), New Delhi
Gender dimension is an integral part of all our projects and programmes and recently we have
prepared a publication on, "Effective Management of Technology Transfer, in Particular of Clean
and Renewable Technologies, for Enhancing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Sized
Enterprises (SMEs) including its Gender Dimension" as part of our renewable energy programme.
This publication could be accessed from the following link:
http://recap1.apctt.org/APCTT_RET%20publication_Sanjay%20Bali_Final.pdf
I also would like to share with you an interesting presentation by Ms. Sara Ahmed of IDRC in a
programme organized by our HQ in Bangkok, UNESCAP. The presentation is available at:
http://www.unescap.org/ESID/GAD/Events/EGM_Beijing_+15/Sara-Ahmed-Climate-Change.pdf
The presentation highlights the adverse impacts of climate change on women including growing
burden of water collection, impact on health and hygiene, increase in male out-migration adding

responsibilities for women, irregular remittances, increase in water conflicts, trauma, decrease in
forest resources, reduced biodiversity affecting indigenous women particularly. To tackle the
challenges following measures are being proposed:
• Earmarking 20% of donor funds under UNFCCC for women’s adaptation priorities.
• Empowering women through community based projects.
• Ensuring that financing mechanisms are flexible, transparent, inclusive and go beyond
the market recognizing women’s ‘burden’ of unpaid work.
• Considering gender justice as climate justice and including it in broader human rights
perspective.
• Complying with Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
and UN gender rights commitments.
• Rejecting technological options for mitigation that will endanger future generations.
Hope this information could be helpful.
Archana Datta, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),
New Delhi
The Green Economy holds a clear promise to build sustainable communities that are energy
efficient, safe and healthy. Green jobs were once termed non-traditional occupations for women
because women represented less than 25% of the workforce. These jobs continue to be the ones
where women are significantly under-represented. The key sustainable development parameters,
economic, social and environmental respectively impress upon gender equality and women
empowerment to achieve all round development of the society.
Social and economic inequities are especially harsh on women and children. The UN estimates
that approximately 70% of the 1.3 billion people living on less than one dollar a day are women,
and these figures are rising with current food, fuel and financial crises. Governments must
accelerate formulation and implementation of policies that endorse women empowerment and
gender equity. The Women in Apprenticeship and Non-traditional Occupations (WANTO) Act of
1992 in US provides for technical assistance to employers and labor unions in the placement and
retention of women in apprenticeships and non-traditional occupations. Such programs claim to
have assisted many women in securing non-traditional occupations.
Following elements must be considered for encouraging women participation in Non-traditional
Green Jobs:
Skill development programmes tailored for women through technical assistance by government
and non government organizations for placement and retention of women in non-traditional
sectors.
• Organizational policies that promote employers to assess skills, abilities and aptitudes for
non-traditional work by incorporating information on transferable skills into the hiring
process and utilizing bias free aptitude tests.
• Expansion of recruitment sources to include job training programs, pre-apprenticeship
programs, secondary and vocational education systems. Creating local women
employment training programs and career centers would also be helpful.
• Key issues that commonly affect women, such as job assignment, promotion, family care,
transportation, health and safety concerns, need to be addressed.
• Steps must be taken to remove legal, policy and regulatory biases that hinder women
entrepreneurship and employment.
If women are to gain a significant foothold in the green sector, various funding mechanisms and
agencies will need to prioritize programs that both train women for these positions and help them
make the challenging transition into male-dominated occupations. This means not only assisting

women in developing the required skills, but ensuring that issues mentioned above (like safety,
child care, sexual harassment etc.) are factored into any effort to recruit and retain women.
Ravi Nitesh, Mission Bhartiyam, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Women are an important part of any economy. Society is almost equally divided between men
and women and thus if there is any place where women are not participating/not included, then
it is against social equality.
Now, on the part of the green economy, the same is true, however there are various examples
where women are not included in the green economy due to various reasons.
• One of the most important but immeasurable barrier is approach of men towards
women. Women are involved in all types of household work and do not get enough
scope to participate.
• There are various difficulties faced by women such as problems due to sexual orientation
of staff members.
• They do not have opportunities to earn from home while the same is required for them.
• They do not have proper training about traditional green businesses such as of bamboo
products, traditional textiles etc. and even if they have they do not have sufficient
marketing assistance to find markets for these products.
women?
• Safe working conditions
• Written policies for any misconduct/exploitation
• Skill development programs
• Awareness generation programs
• Apprenticeship & Vocational education programs
• Specific Welfare facilities in companies (such as facility for transportation, Child care
centre etc)
• Through awareness
• Through special focus and facilities (such as scholarship)
• By providing them facilities for research work
• Through family environment
• Through launching programs to give them equal status & honor
Maroti A. Upare, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
First I wish you all happy and prosperous new year. May I congratulate Karuna for initiating
discussion on important issue of development .I had an opportunity for working on gender issues
in various countries including Sierra Leone, Malawi, Vietnam, Bangladesh ,Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, besides India.
I am happy to share my experience.
The main constraints faced by women to participate in development are as follows:
• Poverty
• Vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.

• Division of household labor
• Health-HIV, AIDS.
• Access to education
Few experiences:
Under UNDP project in Sierra Leone, I tried to upscale marketing of fish by women by providing
transport facilities. This facilitated to improve their livelihoods. In Vietnam, microfinance
programme designed for north hilly region where through aquaculture development and rural
finance poverty alleviated of about 4000 families in three provinces. In Bangladesh micro-capital
grant helped to settle families in other livelihood activities i.e. other than fisheries to reduce
pressure on fishing in Cox`s Bazar district.
I have given training in Business Planning to policy makers, Banks and selected entrepreneurs
(about 100 participants) for setting small business in Central Asia .In India organized Workshop
in Goa for Best Practices of Micro-finances for women in India, which was published by FAO.
What needs to be done for gender development:
• Raising awareness and sharing knowledge
• Gathering information and developing research programmes specially field oriented
• Enhancing sensitivity to gender issues
• Ensuring food security
• Developing marketing
• Improvement in organizational culture
• Improving capacities by supporting entrepreneurship and by providing training.
May I request that the above issues are covered in a proposed National Consultation .I shall be
happy to assist organizations in gender development.
Ramesh Jalan, UNDP, New Delhi
Thank you for your responses to the query on “Enhancing Participation of Women in the Green
Economy”. The main issues highlighted are:
• Capacity building: In addition to ensuring that opportunities for men and women are the
same, we need to ensure that the capacity to avail of these opportunities is also the
same. Therefore capacity building of women through special institutions, programs,
scholarships and courses is critical.
• Participation of women in policy making: Women participation in policy formulation and
at decision making level is of critical importance to ensure incorporation of their
perspective in making policies and decisions sensitive to their special needs.
• Demonstration of competency in the Green Economy: It is important for women to
demonstrate their competence. For example a member is involved in the successful
UNDP –GEF supported project on “Energy efficiency in small scale tea processing units”,
has been managing the Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE), a non profit
organization and has started Sustain-tech, a company incorporated to sell wood burning
stoves to commercial kitchens.
• Strict implementation of the policies for women participation: In Rajasthan, there are
several examples where women participation is on paper but the command of power is
still with men. Therefore it is crucial to strictly implement the policies for women
participation. Rajputana Society of Natural History (RSNH) has encouraged women
representatives to take active part in all the government meetings.

• Linking opportunities in technical education particularly in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with the traditional practices and local
requirements is important.
• Highlighting role of women in ensuring social and environment sustainability needs to be
highlighted.
• Steps including earmarking 20% of donor funds under UNFCCC for women’s adaptation
priorities; empowering women through community based projects; ensuring that
financing mechanisms are flexible, transparent and inclusive; complying with Committee
on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and UN gender rights
commitments have been highlighted.
• Accelerating formulation and implementation of policies that endorse women
empowerment: For example the Women in Apprenticeship and Non-traditional
Occupations (WANTO) Act of 1992 in USA provide for technical assistance to employers
and labor unions in the placement, retention of women in apprenticeships and non-
traditional occupations.
• Need for safe working conditions; written policies for eliminating any
misconduct/exploitation; skill development programs; awareness generation programs;
apprenticeship; vocational education programs and specific welfare facilities have been
emphasized.
• Experiences: UNDP project in Sierra Leone on scaling up of fish marketing by women,
microfinance program for aquaculture development in Vietnam with focus on women etc.
were shared.
We request you to respond on other aspects of the query particularly regarding encouraging
women to utilize opportunities in technical education including Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM) to enrich the discussion even further.
We urge Maroti A. Upare to share details of the micro-finance program organized by him in Goa
as requested by the query poser, Karuna A Singh.
Tukaram Khandade, Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR),
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
women?
Gender budgeting is in place which allocates the budget, keeping in mind gender issues. ‘Gender
budgeting’ refer to a variety of processes and tools aimed at facilitating an assessment of the
gendered impacts of government budgets. In the evolution of these exercises, the focus has
been on auditing government budgets for their impact on women and girls.
A wide variety of women empowering initiatives have been taken up over the last few decades in
the government and civil society. The Government of India adopted the Women’s Component
Plan (WCP) approach for ensuring gender sensitive resource allocation. Reviewing the
performance of the WCP during the 9th Plan, the 10th Plan document indicates that 39% of the
Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of 15 women related Ministries/Departments flowed to women
under the Women’s Component Plan.
To examine Gender Budgeting as a “tool” for women’s empowerment we need to consider its
constituents, which include:
• Social empowerment of women through various affirmative developmental policies and
programmes for development of women besides providing them easy and equal access
to all the basic minimum services so as to enable them to realize their potentials.

• Economic empowerment to ensure provision of training, employment and income-
generation activities to make women economically independent and self-reliant
• Gender justice needs to be ensured through elimination of all forms of gender
discrimination.
It needs to be considered that a rising trend in allocation of funds for women does not
necessarily translate into enhanced benefits or wider coverage. The rise in allocation may just
cover enhanced cost of delivery of services with no increase in quantity of services or even
quality. Therefore it is crucial to ensure women’s participation in gender budgeting through fiscal
decentralization and local level institutions.
A paper on “Women’s Empowerment through Gender Budgeting- A review in the Indian context”
is available at: http://wcd.nic.in/gbsummary/GBppr_AG.pdf
Maroti A. Upare, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (Response 2)
I am sending the document on “Best Practices for Microfinance for Coastal Community in India”
written by me and others for FAO. The document is available at:
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5046E/Y5046E00.HTM
The summary of the document is provided below:
Government policies and initiatives in support of women in fishing communities
There are no specific schemes exclusively targeting women in fishing communities. Some of the
schemes including the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), or the National Credit Fund for Women, in
the late 1980s and early 1990s provided funding to self-help groups (SHGs) for women and this
has helped women empowerment. The Ministry of Women and Child Development was
implementing at that time the Support to Training-cum-Employment Programme that aims to
upgrade the traditional skills and knowledge of women.
As for the welfare scheme, active fisherwomen registered with the state government are eligible
to take advantage of group accident insurance and saving-cum-relief schemes. The state of Tamil
Nadu had taken the initiative in utilizing the welfare schemes specifically for fisherwomen's
cooperative societies.
Research, technology development and transfer appropriate for women in fishing and
fish farming communities
It is crucial to link microfinance with appropriate technology development and enable transfer to
technology women clients. Under the guidance of scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries
Research Institute (CMFRI) in Cochin, the possibility of growing marine bivalves was field-tested
by village groups from the north Malabar coast of Kerala. The field testing and adoption of
coastal Mari-culture of mussels and oysters that started out on a pilot-scale case basis in one
village has now grown into a commercial scale operation that has spread to 15 villages.
The Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) has been regularly imparting hands-on
training to women regarding the management of backyard hatcheries for giant freshwater
prawns. It has been promoting technologies including improved fish drying methods and
innovations such as solar and LPG dryers.
Financial support and mechanisms for women in fishing communities
The Varda Grameen Bank (VGB) is a regional rural bank operating in the Uttara Kannada district
of Karnataka. It also implements microcredit provision through SHGs. The VGB has provided
financing at concessional rates to 77 fisherwomen SHGs with remarkable recovery rates. The

Friends of Women's World Banking, India (FWWB) and CARE India through its Credit and Savings
for Household Enterprises (CASHE) programmes have supported women enterprises.
Anshuman Das, Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC),
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
As a part of the poverty alleviation measure, the Government of India launched Swarnjayanti
Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) in 1999 where the major emphasis is on Self-Help Group (SHG)
formation, social mobilization and economic activation through micro-credit finance. Besides this,
simultaneously, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Rashtriya
Mahila Kosh (RMK, National Credit Fund for Women) and the Department of Women and Child
Development have their own similar programmes on economic empowerment of the rural poor,
focused on women. The financial resources, mobilized through micro credit, have not optimally
translated into economic activities. The reasons might be the following:
• Borrowers use most of the credit for consumptive purposes.
• Micro enterprises formed out of micro finance are generally conventional and extremely
small scale (self-employment for single person or a family at the most), carried out with
minimum business skill & knowledge and mutually competing, which is often not green.
On the other hand Natural Resources, specifically excess biomass/agro-waste from the field were
not utilized properly and efficiently, which can be turned in to wealth. Effort to promote
Sustainable Agriculture by many of us (visit: http://www.drcsc.org/index.html for details) has
also created scope for considering Sustainable agriculture as a productive livelihood option. With
a larger number of farms and farm clusters taking up bio-diversified farming with multiple
number of outputs spread throughout the year, there is a demand for biological inputs like
Microbial fertilizers, Biological control agents, Compost starter cultures, Vermicomposts,
Vermicultures, Seeds, Seedlings etc. Scope has been created to process farm outputs to enriched
fodder, enriched fuel like biomass briquette, semi processed food products etc. Existing women
SHGs can take up these as opposed to the conventional income generating activities; it has a
chance of cross financing by the financial institutions as well.
Sejuti Sarkar De, Society for Natural Resource Management & Community
Development (SNRMCD), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Rising demand and higher prices of fossil fuels, governments facing crisis of food security and
freshwater scarcity, degradation in the quality of air and its health impacts – all these combining
with the faltering world economy have revitalized the concept of ‘Green Economy’ around the
world specially with ‘Rio+20’ summit coming up this year (2012).
The terminology of ‘Green Economy’ and its context has been better described in ‘Towards Green
Economy’ published by UNEP
(http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/Portals/88/documents/ger/GER_synthesis_en.pdf).
Traditionally, women have been a minor workforce in ‘brown economy’ but have been active in
works related to natural resources of which agriculture is a good example. ‘Green Economy’ can
open new job opportunities for women in sectors like renewable energy, green building
construction, transport sectors etc. and participation of women in these sectors needs to be
encouraged.
The major problems faced by women in India are lack of access to information and lack of
exposure to new technologies. Another major problem is the ownership right, whether of
agricultural land or household land, lie mainly with male members and this often create difficulty

for women to get bank credits. Also, in many cases, though the benefit/allotment comes
for women member, it is the male members who take the economic benefit. As for example,
under Prime Minister Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) women entrepreneurs get
higher subsidy but their village industry units are mostly run by male counterparts. Thus, capacity
building of women is needed before providing allotment or subsidy or credit under any scheme or
programme. In India, practicing social customs is of course a big inhibition for women to come
forward.
What policies or programmes already being implemented could enhance participation
of women?
It can be observed that women SHGs rather than individual women have been more successful in
economic ventures in India. I will discuss the sectors in which I have experience:
• Agriculture and Allied Sectors - Women, on average, comprise 43 % of agricultural
labour force in developing countries (FAO, 2010-11). However, women still suffer from
lack of knowledge on improved varieties of seeds, modern farming technologies and use
of farm machineries. The implements received by women beneficiaries are mostly used
by male members. Thus, training in addition with exposure visit, demonstrations, value
additions and also providing them knowledge on marketing of products can
help women entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, fishery, dairy and
poultry, animal husbandry etc. We have documented successful examples
of women SHGs running vermin-compost units in Malda, West Bengal and of another
tribal women SHG running piggery unit in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also
easier for these women SHGs to get access to bank loans.
• Forestry – Collection of fuel-wood, fodder and Minor Forest Produces (MFPs) are mainly
done by women in India. However, the forest governance policies, be at village level
(Joint Forest Management Committees, JFMC) or at higher level, are mostly decided by
men. At forest administration level, in 2002 only 3 % of total Indian Forest Service
officers were women. To get higher economic benefit, the women members of forest
dependent households need to be trained on scientific collection, harvesting and
processing technologies of MFPs and also on marketing of the products. Under Odisha
Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) SHGs, mostly run by women, have made
net profit worth Rs. 6.92 million from products like cashew, char, ginger, hill broom,
Mahua, tamarind, siali & turmeric.
• Handloom & Handicrafts – Rural women artisan groups working on bamboo, pottery,
traditional embroidery, hand painting on clothes, etc. can be good examples
of women involved in ‘Green Economy’. These groups have been encouraged under
various schemes of Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of
Textiles, etc. We are presently working with tribal women groups of Ghazole (West
Bengal) working on bamboo handicrafts (green products).
• Solid Waste Management - While working in CARE-ACDI-VOCA supported Growth
Oriented Micro-enterprise Development (GMED) programme, I have worked
with women groups involved in door-to-door waste collection, segregation of waste into
bio-degradable and non-biodegradables. These women previously used to be rag pickers
who were organized and trained by NGOs to lead a better life.
A good example of imparting technical education to women can be found in ‘Stree Shakti’
Programme of Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi under which women from
economically weaker sections (EWS) are given entrepreneurship development trainings including
computer literacy and also training on leadership and getting credit linkages. This kind of
integrated approach may help the rural women groups formed under Swarnjayanti Gram

Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) to get access to better technical education facilities at lower cost and
also at approachable distance from their home.
Muhammad Mukhtar Alam, Centre for Ecological Audit, Social Inclusion and
Governance, New Delhi
Endorsing the call of Sejuti Sarkar De, I would like to share that women need to be in the
forefront of the green economy as they shape most of the consumption decisions at the
household level along with children with men of the house more often than not acceding to the
demand of women and children. I think this is quite common in majority of the households.
Rural and urban economies both can be green with more and more women leaders emerging at
the forefront of the struggle for minimizing the emissions of green house gases and transforming
leisure through carbon-neutral neighbourhood based engagement. Mothers are best teachers and
the children listen to their mother more in most of the cases as more often than not children
receive unconditional positive support from the mothers.
Stree Shakti Programme is good and under the leadership of Sheila Dixit, the Chief Minister of
Delhi, this is getting good results. I hope that green ideals are inducted in the program rather
more visibly and effectively in order to ensure that climate responsive, ecologically benevolent
consumption is encouraged and ecologically hostile consumption is discouraged.
H.S.Sharma, Sobha Sariya Engineering College, Sikar, Rajasthan, India*
Supreme Court has invited organizations like Earth Day Network to help many who want to lead
an honorable life.
Please send your ideas to Mrs. Gyan Sudha Misra, Justice in Supreme Court at:
panelonsexworkers@gmail.com
I have sent a list of 50 technologies, which if implemented could give job to about 3,000 women.
Many thanks to all who contributed to this query!
If you have further information to share on this topic, please send it to Solution Exchange for the
Climate Change Community in India at se-clmt@solutionexchange-un.net.in with the subject
heading “Re: [se-clmt] Query: Enhancing Participation of Women in the Green Economy -
Experiences; Advice. Additional Reply.”
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