An Introduction to Integrating Gender in Environmental Programming

Join us on this introductory course to understand why gender equality is a prerequisite to effective environmental action and how it relates to your work.

About the course

Around the world, women and girls are central to nature conservation and climate action. They are users, managers, and stewards of natural resources; leaders advocating for environmental protection; and experts working to address the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

Yet, due to persistent gender inequalities, many face barriers, discrimination, and even violence that limit their participation, influence, and safety in environmental work. These injustices don’t just harm individuals—they also undermine the success and sustainability of environmental outcomes.

This course invites you to explore why gender equality is essential to effective environmental action and how failing to address gender dynamics can create unintended risks. You’ll gain a strong foundation in key gender concepts, examine how overlapping identities shape access and power, and learn to apply gender analysis to design more inclusive and equitable environmental initiatives.

At IUCN, gender equality is a fundamental human right and a formal commitment embedded in our policies and work. Learning to integrate gender into environmental programming is not only the right thing to do—it’s also a powerful step toward building healthier ecosystems, resilient communities, and a more just future for all.

Course details

Launch date: June 2025

🕒 Start date: Anytime

🕒 Duration: 2-4 hours in total

📖 Course type: Self-paced

📖 Course includes: 3 modules including pre and post course surveys, reflection questions and quizzes

🗨️ Languages: English

Fees: FREE

Who should attend this course?

Anyone who is interested in acquiring foundational knowledge on how gender equality relates to the environment and why it matters, as well as on the gender analysis methodology.

What are the course outcomes?

Build a strong foundation to become a champion for gender equality in environmental work.
Identify how gender roles, identities, and power dynamics shape people’s access to and participation in environmental initiatives.
Explore how addressing gender equality improves outcomes in conservation, climate action, and sustainable development—and the risks of neglecting it.
Enhance your specialisation with practical, policy-relevant gender-environment knowledge.
Get familiar with gender equality mandates in global environmental frameworks and donor funding mechanisms (e.g. GEF, GCF, CIF, Adaptation Fund).
Gain practical skills in exploring gender analysis in real-world environmental projects—from identifying gender gaps to making inclusive, evidence-based recommendations.

What will you learn?

Core gender equality terms and concepts, including gender roles, gender equality vs. equity, and intersectionality.
How social norms and power dynamics shape men and women and those of different genders’ roles and relationships with the environment.
Why gender equality is essential to effective environmental action—and what happens when it’s overlooked.
How overlapping identities (e.g. race, age, class, ability) influence participation, access, and outcomes in environmental projects.
Gender mandates embedded in multilateral environmental agreements and donor requirements.
The gender analysis methodology—what it is, why it matters, and how to conduct one ethically and effectively.
How to integrate gender analysis findings into project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.
How to apply a human rights-based and survivor-centred approach when working on gender issues in environmental contexts.

Who is leading the course?

This course has been primarily developed by IUCN experts on gender.