Women Leadership in Environment Management

Abstract

The Philippines is among the pioneers of gender-sensitive policies that aim to neutralize the role of men and women in leadership opportunities in almost all sectors. From the '80s to the '90s, a bunch of policies were implemented, ensuring the women's participation in natural resource and environmental management; however, numerous populations of women have earned leadership in the regional and national levels but fewer opportunities at the grassroots level. In line with this, the study sought to investigate the state of women's leadership focusing on environmental management. Documentary evidence will be collected and interpreted to address the study objectives. Major findings revealed that at the municipal and barangay level, women have struggled to get education and knowledge to lead, are confined to male-dominated decisions, experienced poverty, and are often discriminated. Recommendations were laid that concerned government agencies and other stakeholders emphasized training and leadership enhancements at the grassroots and sustained until women leaders are raised.