By Amelia Arreguín-Prado, CBD Women’s Caucus Coordinator
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus
Co-organised by the Red Ecofeminista Latinoamericana y del Caribe, the CBD Women’s Caucus, and the UNEP Women’s Major Group, the session created a critical space to address the structural barriers that continue to prevent Women Environmental Rights Defenders (WERDs) from accessing timely, effective, and gender-responsive justice.
About the event
Across the discussions, speakers highlighted how women defenders face a unique intersection of risks—from extractivist pressures and environmental violence to gender-based discrimination and systemic gaps in legal protection. Despite the existence of international frameworks such as the Escazú Agreement, participants underscored that impunity remains widespread and that justice systems often fail to respond adequately to the realities faced by women defenders.
The panel, featuring voices from international organisations, governments, civil society, and grassroots movements—including Valentine Sébile (International Land Coalition), Sarah Douglas (UN Women), Mónica Xavier (Instituto de la Mujer, Uruguay), Leticia Leobet (Geledés Instituto da Mulher Negra), Adriana Salazar (Plataforma de Juventudes por la Justicia Climática), and María José Lubertino (Red Ecofeminista LAC)—explored key issues such as the criminalisation of defenders, the rise of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and the limited effectiveness of existing protection mechanisms.
Importantly, the event moved beyond diagnosis to identify pathways forward, including strengthening gender-responsive protection protocols, improving access to justice, and enhancing accountability within national legal systems. The development of a “best practices” summary for judicial systems and the strengthening of support networks for defenders were highlighted as key outcomes.
As biodiversity loss and environmental conflicts intensify, ensuring the protection and recognition of women environmental rights defenders is not only a matter of justice—it is essential for the effective and equitable implementation of global environmental commitments.
