Determinants of women’s participation in environmental protection and management in selected towns of north Wollo, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Environmental challenges are inter-weaved which trigger multi-phase dilemmas. Tackling this intricacy requires integrating gender into environment management efforts because coordinated approach is needed in order to solve such problems. But there are determinants that affect this integration. This study intends to assess determinants of women’s participation in environmental protection and management. A mixed approach with concurrent design was employed. The quantitative data were collected from 118 respondents and qualitative data were from purposefully selected participants. Statistical and thematic data analysis techniques were employed to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The study found out that women are indispensable in environmental administration. Accordingly, women’s age groups (28-37 & 38-47) were positive factors; whereas, violence, technology, social services, production, consumption, resources and institutions were negative factors. It is possible to conclude that despite women are essential in environmental protection and management, they are obstructed by various factors. This has an impact on the environment. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organizations should work cooperatively to enhance women’s participation via training, awareness-rising, and by making social service available.