A group of 24 women from various Advisory Counselors for Protected Natural Areas (ANP) released the Manifesto for Gender Equity in Participation on July 31.
It is a document that brings together 16 recommendations addressed to the environmental authorities of Mexico to promote gender equity and the participation of women in these councils, which bring together representatives from various sectors in order to advise on the management and administration of the country's conservation areas.
The Manifesto emerged from the exchange of 24 women that took place between April 28 and 30 in Mexico City.
“In each of its lines and 16 recommendations in the manifesto, I see reflected the discussions we had not only in the exchange but since we began to meet. But in addition to the fact that it brings together experiences and feelings, it is also a unique case for me.
I have been with Advisory Councils for 15 years and this is the first time that I have seen a document composed of 13 members and that this document has been released to all organizations to say how we want to work: safe, calm, included and respected,” said Adriana Basauri, consultant and coordinator of this group of advisors.
The recommendations, grouped into four axes, are especially addressed to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), as well as to the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) and its Advisory Councils.
The first axis highlights the need for legal instruments that guarantee women's participation, since although there are frameworks at the national and international levels, this inclusion is not reflected in the management of the ANP or in environmental policy, details the Manifesto.
The second axis revolves around safe and accessible spaces for women, which are free from violence and discrimination.
The third highlights the need to sensitize and empower institutions. This is essential for the development of plans and programs “with a focus on human rights, equality and equity”, highlights the writing.
Finally, economic autonomy is an axis that highlights the need for women to be able to participate freely and continuously in Advisory Councils.
[The recommendations can be found in the following document, click here.]
Basauri pointed out that the Manifesto is the result of a work that began years ago, when in March 2021 they were formed as a group. Since that date, more than 25 online meetings, a training workshop and two webinars have been attended by more than 40 women on the Advisory Councils of the ANP.
“The group has been on a four-year journey and just for many of us it has been an awakening. One, which was the phrase 'we are not alone' and that there are more women on the Advisory Councils, with the same problems due to the disparity of opportunities and the number participating in these bodies. And secondly, we have been generating tools that allow us to face this reality, such as the training course, gender manual, short film, until we reached the exchange, where we came to share everything we had in our experiences, to agree on these needs and experiences and one of the results is this Manifesto,” he explained.
The group will add signatures to subscribe to this Manifesto, which will be a commitment for them to reach the Advisory Councils and can serve in the formation of these spaces; just as a letter containing this Manifesto will be sent to Semarnat and Conanp.
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