The Role of Women in Sustainability: Driving Change for a Greener Future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognise the impact women have in shaping the future of sustainability. From corporate ESG strategies to grassroots environmental movements, women are leading the way in tackling climate challenges, advocating for sustainable business practices, and driving innovation in green technologies. However, despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across the sustainability sector.

Why Women Are Essential in Sustainability

Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to adopt stronger ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and achieve better sustainability outcomes. Research indicates that companies with higher female representation on their boards tend to exhibit enhanced sustainability performance. A study analysing 5,087 firms across 50 countries found that the presence of women on corporate boards significantly boosts sustainability outcomes. Here’s why: 

Holistic Decision-Making – Women often consider the long-term impact of decisions, ensuring sustainability remains a core business strategy rather than a short-term trend.

Community-Centric Approaches – Many female leaders emphasize social sustainability, focusing on the intersection of environmental and social impact, such as ethical supply chains and fair labour practices.

Advancing Climate Solutions – Women-led startups and organisations are pioneering innovative solutions in areas like renewable energy, circular economy, and carbon reduction.

Moreover, the sustainability sector itself is witnessing a positive trend in gender diversity. In 2020, for the first time, women held more Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) roles than men, occupying 54% of these positions.

Yet, whilst this notable progress is being made, barriers such as gender bias, lack of representation in mid-level roles, and unequal access to funding for female-led sustainability initiatives still persist.

Encouraging More Women to Lead in Sustainability

To build a truly sustainable future, we must ensure that more women have the opportunities, support, and visibility they deserve in the sustainability space. Here’s how we can encourage greater participation:

Mentorship & Networking – Establishing mentorship programs that connect aspiring women professionals with industry leaders can provide guidance and open doors to new opportunities.

Representation Matters – Organisations should actively promote women in leadership positions, ensuring that sustainability boards and decision-making committees are diverse and inclusive. Encourage organisations to adopt policies that promote gender diversity in leadership roles. While women now make up approximately 43% of boards in Britain’s top 350 public companies, the number of female CEOs has declined, indicating a need for continued efforts to elevate women to top executive positions.

Education & Skill Development – Investing in STEM education, sustainability certifications, and leadership training for women can help bridge the gender gap in technical sustainability fields.

Supporting Female Entrepreneurs – Access to funding and resources for women-led sustainability startups can drive more innovation in green industries. Despite evidence that female-led startups often generate higher revenues, only 2% of funding goes to these businesses in the US and Europe. Addressing this disparity through equitable funding practices is crucial for empowering women-led sustainability ventures.

A Call to Action This International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women making strides in sustainability and commit to breaking down the barriers that hold them back. Whether you’re a business leader, an aspiring professional, or someone passionate about sustainability, we all have a role to play in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world.