International Women’s Day 2025: Women protecting forests and communities

In the week of International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to gender justice and women’s rights under the Forests for a Just Future programme, implemented by the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA). At a time when commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion are being rolled back in many places, we must continue to show why they matter. This year’s theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” reminds us that progress is not guaranteed. It must be fought for. 

Header photo: (c) Gaia Amazonas

Young women and girls are at the heart of lasting change; yet in too many places, their rights and voices are under threat. That is why, across the regions where we work, GLA has been taking action to build a greener, more just future where ALL women and girls can thrive. 

Here is how women across our programme are driving change:

Indigenous women leading in the Colombian Amazon

In the Colombian Amazon, Indigenous women are strengthening political participation and securing the right to self-determination by shaping Amazonian Indigenous Food Systems. Their leadership is critical in consolidating Indigenous governance and preserving cultural knowledge for future generations.

• Watch this inspiring video from Gaia Amazonas in Colombia

Breaking barriers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Illiteracy should not be a barrier to participation in forest governance. In the DRC, Indigenous women and girls are using innovative infographic booklets to navigate complex policies and demand their rights in conservation and decision-making spaces.

• WECF explains more about this campaign here

Women defending Uganda’s Bugoma forest

The destruction of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve has had devastating consequences for women, including reduced access to vital resources and increased risks of violence. IUCN NL and AFIEGO supported women-led advocacy and reforestation efforts by providing a small grant to women to allow them to demand an end to the deforestation of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. Furthermore, they have planted over 17,000 trees since 2021, strengthening community resilience and holding decision-makers accountable.

Inspiring women across Indonesia and the Philippines

Women leaders are rising up across Southeast Asia, defending their lands and communities.  

In Indonesia, Nadila led community efforts to improve water inspections and repair a critical dam. Read #Herstory of change here. 

In Mount Parawagan, Philippines, women farmers are leading efforts in sustainable agriculture and forest conservation, ensuring their lands remain sources of food, livelihood, and resilience for future generations. Read the story of Community and Transformation. In Palawan, Philippines, community leader Nay Nida Collado won the prestigious Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award for her tireless fight against illegal logging and land grabbing. Learn more about Nida’s work. 

Young Agta leader Kristel Quierrez is standing against the Kaliwa Dam project and was named a 2025 Restoration Steward by the Global Landscapes Forum. Read more about Kritsel’s journey.  

The Kalandang Weavers of Bukidnon in Mindanao continue to preserve their heritage and forests through the sacred craft of weaving. Watch their inspiring story. 

In Palawan, Philippines, environmental lawyer Atty. Grizelda “Gerthie” Mayo-Anda has been a fierce advocate against destructive mining, fighting for stronger laws and governance to protect communities and ecosystems.  She was honored in the Individual Category of Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) 2024 for her initiative, the “People’s Monitoring Team,” which holds large-scale development projects accountable for their environmental impacts. Watch Gerthie tell us a part of her story here. 

Strengthening learning and advocacy across the GLA

At the heart of our work is a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. The GLA’s Inclusive Forest Community of Practice (InFoCOP) has brought together partners across regions to exchange knowledge, challenge norms and advance gender equity in conservation. Recent sessions have tackled women’s inclusion, gender and intersectionality, and preparations for CBD COP16 in Colombia. 

• Check out the InFoCP bulletin online publication. 

The gender hub organised a dedicated exchange and learning session on gender based violence linked to environmental degradation. IUCN provided an insightful presentation on this issue.  

• Read IUCN’s report on gender-based violence and environment linkages here 

Women’s rights are human rights. Women’s leadership in forest governance is essential for a sustainable future.