Empowering women for a sustainable future: Integrating gender equality and environmental stewardship
Tia Rahmania, Fatchiah Kertamuda, Septantri Shinta Wulandari, Asep Marfu
Abstract
This study examines the impact of gender equality and government policies on environmental sustainability in Indonesia. Based on a survey of 500 respondents and a quantitative cross-sectional analysis, the results show that access to education and employment, political participation, healthcare and reproductive rights, protection from violence and discrimination, and women's economic empowerment positively contribute to environmental sustainability. However, government policies do not significantly moderate this relationship, suggesting that policy effectiveness depends on local social and cultural factors. To enhance impact, policies should be better tailored to local contexts. The study recommends increasing women's roles in politics and the economy, strengthening healthcare services, and ensuring protection from gender-based violence and discrimination. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and development practitioners on integrating gender equality into environmental sustainability strategies.