Gender Transformative Approaches for Advancing Gender Equality in Coral Reef Social-ecological Systems

Abstract

CARE’s work in food and water systems seeks to contribute to realization of the rights to food, water and nutrition security of women small-scale producers and their families. CARE believes that approaches to building community resilience in any ecosystem should address the structural power and relational barriers which deny access to resources and opportunities for women. The relevance of this research and learning project to CARE is hugely significant as we contribute to a major global program led by our strategic partner WWF. This program – the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI) – is established to protect and regenerate tropical coral reefs for the benefit of people through nature-based solutions. The partnership comprises leading scientists and NGOs, working in collaboration with governments and communities to safeguard reefs, food security and nutrition, and livelihoods against climate change and environmental degradation. The purpose of this project, which comprises a Literature Review, this Technical Brief, and a Policy Brief, is to increase the levels of awareness and knowledge among CRRI partners and the wider development and conservation communities on the relevance and importance of gender transformative approaches in interventions related to coral reef social-ecological systems. A further purpose is to contribute to policy and practice discourse on equitable livelihoods and sustainable natural resource management in the context of relevant global processes and to increase commitment to approaches that deliver positive gender equality and social inclusion outcomes.