I increasingly hear that women are thriving in the waste sector, especially in public positions, and this is due to increased levels of formal and STEM education. But this article indicates that "even women with higher levels of formal education are struggling to land and retain jobs in the organised sector." Even though women are seeking and acquiring Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) --upwards of 40% (for example in India), barely 14% are employed.

The article makes the point that tackling the climate crisis, which is cross-sectoral and linked with chemicals, waste, and how we manage them, needs to respond to the "climate gap". Insisting on a more holistic lens that notes socioeconomic issues are not standalone problems and need to be incorporated into environmental policy, planning and action. This can be facilitated by "gendered research" and a gender-responsive approach such as ISLANDS is implementing and advocating simultaneously that "[w]omen in STEM have the potential to lead investigations and develop policies that take into account the needs and perspectives of those most affected, leading to more well-rounded solutions."

What examples of gendered research have you seen in your city, country, or region? Does the data and evidence support planning and decision-making in environmental spaces?