Structural Violence: Learning from Women and Girl Environmental Defenders

In their efforts to defend their land, territories and natural resources, women and girl environmental defenders* (WGEDs) around the world are experiencing diverse forms of structural violence. The violence they experience ranges from the physical to the spiritual. From dislocation and dispossession, to harassment and defamation. From sexual and domestic violence to kidnapping and murder.

In 2021, the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) consulted with WGEDs around the globe about their understanding and experiences of structural violence. We asked WGEDs what structural violence is, how they face it and how donors can best support them. Click on the link below to see what we learned from listening to their voices.

You can also find this publication in French, Portuguese and Spanish.

* When using the term women and girl environmental defenders (WGEDs), GAGGA includes women, girls, intersex, trans and non-binary people.

Text and image taken from GAGGA website. Consultancy conducted with partner Aditi Surie.