In recent years, the world has witnessed a profound shift towards sustainability, and women are at the forefront of this green revolution. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing decisions, eco-friendly businesses are booming. Women entrepreneurs are not only making a difference but also redefining the business landscape with their innovative, eco-friendly ventures.
Breaking down barriers
Women in business have long faced numerous challenges, from gender stereotypes to limited access to capital and markets. However, these obstacles have not deterred them. Instead, they have become catalysts for innovation and resilience. Women are breaking down barriers, starting new businesses, and influencing policy. They are empowering others to pursue their dreams, creating a ripple effect that is transforming industries.
Women in sustainability: The game-changers
A remarkable trend is emerging: women are dominating the sustainability space. According to GreenBiz, a staggering 58% of sustainability executives in major companies are women. They are driving change, pushing businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and ensuring that companies meet the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Women’s leadership is not just about numbers; it’s about a different approach to business. They bring a unique set of skills—innovation, transparency, collaboration, environmental management, social inclusiveness, and long-term thinking—that are crucial for sustainable business planning.
Inspirational stories of women in sustainability
Here are some inspiring stories of women who are leading the charge in sustainability:
- Dr. Purnima Devi Barman
A wildlife biologist, Dr. Barman has dedicated her life to conserving the greater adjutant stork. She founded the Hargila Army, an all-female grassroots conservation movement dedicated to protecting these endangered birds. Today, the Hargila Army comprises over 10,000 women who protect nesting sites and rehabilitate injured storks.
- Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
A wildlife veterinarian and the founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka has spent three decades helping safeguard the world’s rarest and endangered primates, such as mountain gorillas in remote communities across East Africa. Her work has improved healthcare and created economic opportunities in local communities.
- Nzambi Matee
An engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, Matee is the head of Gjenge Makers, a company she founded to address plastic pollution in Nairobi, Kenya. Gjenge Makers produces sustainable, low-cost construction materials made from recycled plastic waste and sand. Matee developed the prototype for a machine that turns discarded plastic into paving stones.
- Xiaoyuan Ren
Determined to address the water crisis in rural China, Ren started MyH2O, a data platform that tests and records groundwater quality across a thousand villages. The platform relies on a nationwide network of youth volunteers trained to test water quality and log their results into an interactive app. Since its launch in 2015, MyH2O has helped provide clean water to tens of thousands of villagers.
The power of female leadership
Women’s participation in environmental decision-making has been instrumental in climate action and gender equality. They consistently prioritize ESG issues like sustainability and climate change. Research shows that companies with more women on their boards tend to perform better financially and are more innovative. This is not just about diversity; it’s about de-risking businesses and driving climate action. As the world races to meet the SDGs, women’s leadership is proving invaluable.
Why businesses need female entrepreneurs to lead on SDGs
It is clear that women are key to implementing sustainability in business. There is an apparent connection between women’s leadership and sustainable business planning to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. According to The Business Commission, women have the six leadership qualities that are needed to advance progress. These include innovation, transparency, collaboration, environmental management, social inclusiveness, and long-term thinking. Moreover, they want to address environmental and social challenges. They are more concerned about global issues and want to work in the impact space to try and solve them.
The impact of women in sustainability roles
The rise of women in sustainability roles is not limited to the C-suite. Outside the executive level, women are increasingly holding sustainability positions. Between 2011 and 2020, the percentage of women in vice president roles grew from 31% to 51%, while the pool of female directors increased from 37% to 55%. Evidently, the percentage of female managers in sustainability roles has risen the most, from 39% to 63%. This shift is crucial as companies transition towards more sustainable practices.
A new era of sustainability
The rise of eco-friendly entrepreneurship is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. Consumers are demanding more from businesses, and women are leading the way. They are creating solutions, building sustainable businesses, and shaping the future of industries. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: women are not just part of the sustainability movement; they are its driving force. With their unique approach to leadership and their commitment to environmental and social justice, they are redefining what it means to be successful in business.
Women’s leadership in sustainability is transforming the business landscape. Their innovative approaches, commitment to social and environmental justice, and ability to drive change make them indispensable in the quest for a more sustainable future. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, the role of women in sustainability will only grow more critical. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and determination, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to join the green revolution.
