Indigenous Women on the Frontlines of Climate Action

Indigenous people play a crucial role in the guardianship and conservation of tropical forests worldwide. They are in the frontlines of climate change, and as their roles continues to be more recognized and supported in climate mitigation it is important to consider the different ways Indigenous women and girls are impacted by this crisis, and also the solutions they are bringing to the table.

In Ecuador, a nation of diverse ecosystems and indigenous cultures, indigenous women serve as custodians of ancestral territories and primary caregivers within their communities. This dual role exposes them to intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization, amplifying their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecological degradation exacerbate existing inequalities, placing indigenous women at the forefront of climate-related challenges. They confront threats to food security, water scarcity, and displacement with resourcefulness and determination, drawing upon their traditional knowledge and adaptive practices.

This policy brief focuses on the pivotal role of indigenous women from different indigenous communities in Ecuador's climate action efforts, highlighting their unique challenges and contributions to climate resilience. It seeks to amplify their voices and experiences, advocating for policies and initiatives that recognize and support their central role in climate adaptation and mitigation. By recognizing the intersectionality of gender and climate justice, this brief aims to catalyze action towards a more equitable and sustainable future. It calls for solidarity, empowerment, and meaningful engagement with indigenous women as indispensable agents of change on the frontlines of climate action.

Read the full brief here.