Econexus investigates, reports and acts on threats to biodiversity, climate, ecosystems, local and agro-ecological farming systems, food security & sovereignty, health and the interests of indigenous peoples and local communities. A particular focus are new and emerging technologies, their implications and risks.

Women and agriculture

UN report highlights disadvantages faced by women in agricultural employment.
21 January 2011 – "Women continue to reap less benefits from employment in agriculture than men in rural areas, and the recent global financial and food crises have slowed down progress towards gender equality in farming-related labour, three United Nations agencies said in a joint report unveiled today.

According to the report, compiled by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), women face discrimination that limits both their economic productivity and their personal development.

The report – entitled “Gender dimensions of agricultural and rural employment: Differentiated pathways out of poverty” – notes that women need access to education, training, credit, markets, technical assistance and labour protection. They also need equal, secure access to land and other assets and “social capital,” including the ability to participate equally in farmers’ organizations." more

Women and Climate Change

June 2010: EcoMujer, WECF and WLOE e.V. call for women’s action for climate justice

From May 31 to June 11, 2010, a climate conference in Bonn prepared for the next big climate summit meeting in Mexico (December 2010). Given the lack of political action in Copenhagen, a Climate Wave alliance formed. Among other activities it organized a demonstration on June 5 (World Environment Day) to take a stand for climate protection and climate justice.  We participated in this demonstration because climate/environmental issues are intrinsically related to issues of gender justice.

Women, biological and cultural diversity

The UN Convention on Biodiversity
Women from around the world attended the 9th bi-annual UN conference on biodiversity in May 2008. Some met together daily in a women's caucus. Preparations are beginning for women's voices and concerns to be heard at the 'last' planned UN Convention on Biodiversity, to be held in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010.

The Japan Citizens’ Network for Planet Diversity is planning meetings and other activities.

Women and Biodiversity: Statement from representatives of the Women’s Caucus during the COP 9 ('Conference of the Parties' to the 9th Convention on Biological Diversity), Bonn May 2008:
"We are women scientists, activists, mothers, peasants, producers, consumers, teachers…  from different countries all over the world. We speak on our own behalf and also on behalf of the voiceless women of the world. Worldwide anti-democratic structures and development models have often no respect for us women, our decision-making needs, our power and our creativity."...
Full statement in pdf format here, 1 p.

THE GENDER PLAN OF ACTION UNDER THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY is available in pdf format, 31 pp. here.
Decision of the Conference of the Parties: "Welcomes the development by the Executive Secretary of the Gender Plan of Action under the Convention on Biological Diversity, (UNEP/CBD/COP/9/INF/12/Rev.1), and invites Parties to support the implementation of the Plan by the Secretariat."

Bacvkground on COP 9: Earth Negotiations Bulletin: SUMMARY OF THE NINTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY or in pdf format, 22 pp. to download.

Planet Diversity: World Congress on the Future of Food and Agriculture  

Bonn, Germany      May 12 -16, 2008

See Women at Planet Diversity

"Women of Planet Diversity" gathering after the
Thursday workshop, May 15, 2008