e-course that links gender with environment

Vishal Gulati 

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) have jointly launched the first open online course on gender and environment at the sixth GEF Assembly in Da Nang, Vietnam recently.

The course is the result of an initiative led by the GEF and SGP, in collaboration with the GEF Gender Partnership and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the GEF said in a statement.

The course will help one better understand the linkages between gender and environment. It will provide one with the knowledge and tools to mainstream gender, and to be an effective change-maker for sustainable development.

The course is a "one-stop-shop" for information and illustrations on gender dimensions linked to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals and waste.

“The gender and environment e-course is the first-of-its-kind and it will be a valuable resource for the environmental community in its efforts to be more gender responsive,”GEF Director of Strategy and Operations Francoise Clottes said.

The e-course is structured around six modules — an introductory module and five modules on gender dimensions linked to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals and waste.

“The UNDP recognises the transformative potential of gender equality to advance environmental sustainability. The course is an exciting opportunity to broaden understanding of the important links between gender and environment and offers practical tools, evidence and examples to mainstream gender in key environmental sectors,” UNDP Global Environmental Finance Executive Coordinator said Adriana Dinu said.

By the end of the course, participants will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to mainstream gender in environmental projects and programmes.

The e-course is open to the public without charge and is intended to be self-paced. — IANS