Increasing evidence suggests a significant connection between gender and social equality coupled with environmental well-being. When gender inequality is prevalent, ecological degradation tends to be more severe. While the opposite relationship may also exist, it has been explored to a much lesser extent.

Involving women in conservation efforts benefits gender equality and environmental sustainability. Gender norms influence the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) throughout its value chain. Some drive it, while others restrict it or leverage it to combat it. Since concepts of femininity and masculinity are culturally constructed and constantly evolve, they can be critically examined and transformed.

A common misconception related to IWT in Pakistan is that men are primarily responsible. This notion leads to imprudent, gender-biased mitigation plans that overlook the roles of and impacts on women. National and provincial wildlife policies are generally inconsiderate of these differences, especially in IWT, leaving major gaps in effective mitigation.  

Limited data on gender-exclusive vulnerabilities and challenges is an obstacle to assessing and monitoring gender equality, as recognised in Pakistan's National Gender Policy framework. The draft National Plan of Action IWT recognises the need to address key drivers and gender-inclusive approaches. At present, there are significant gaps in knowledge that can support the development of gender-responsive initiatives that address poverty and livelihood mainstreaming. Without safeguarding gender-specific economic losses or social and cultural challenges, effective wildlife conservation is difficult to achieve.

The project aims to conduct Pakistan’s first assessment to determine gender dynamics in IWT. It will explore women’s roles in IWT and combatting IWT and the drivers influencing their participation, including vulnerable livelihoods or law-enforcement constraints such as limited representation of women in the wildlife ranger workforce. 

• This project aligns with global and national priorities, directly supporting Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) by tackling poaching and IWT, especially for threatened and endemic species.

• The project also complements regional and global initiatives like SAWEN, GSLEP and Species Conservation Plans while reinforcing Pakistan’s National Gender Policy goals on governance, economic opportunity and meaningful participation.

It also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• Assess gender disaggregated roles and dynamics in poaching and IWT.

• Assess gaps in the existing wildlife protection policies relating to gender mainstreaming in wildlife and habitat management

• A framework developed for gender-disaggregated strategies for addressing poaching and IWT and for gender mainstreaming. 

Here is the link for the Gender and IWT Toolkit adapted to integrate gender into the approaches to address poaching and IWT.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.