As we celebrate the International Mother Earth Day this week, the United Nations recognized the role and effort of women, especially from Asia and the Pacifi as stewards of the environment. Through a resolution in 2009, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as the day that the world recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity’s common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.

Across Asia and the Pacific, women and girls – especially those from rural, Indigenous, and marginalized communities – are at the frontlines of climate change and environmental degradation. While they often bear the brunt of environmental crises, they are also powerful agents of change. Women are stewards of natural resources, innovators in climate solutions, and leaders in community resilience. Yet, their contributions too often go unrecognized, and they continue to face barriers to full and equal participation in environmental decision-making.

UN Women calls for urgent action to protect our planet while advancing gender equality. A sustainable future is only possible when women and girls are empowered to lead climate and environmental action – when their knowledge, leadership, and rights are at the heart of efforts to restore and safeguard Mother Earth.

Note: This article is originally published in the UN Women website.