Both ENDS strengthens the resilience of female environmental defenders worldwide thanks to multi-year contribution from the Postcode Lottery

Female environmental rights defenders are on the front line of the fight against environmental destruction and climate change worldwide. They protect land, water and biodiversity, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. At the same time, they are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change, increasing inequality and political oppression. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges increased further, while access to funding and protection decreased. Action is now needed to prevent the loss of crucial local knowledge, leadership and resilience.

The contribution

Thanks to the multi-year and flexible contribution from the Postcode Lottery, the Autonomy & Resilience Fund was able to support 132 women-led grassroots organisations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The funding enabled them to respond directly to local needs: from food security and ecological restoration to water management, sustainable livelihoods and policy advocacy. The approach is based on trust: the women themselves determine where the money is most needed and which solutions work best in their context.

‘Women environmental rights defenders are experts in their own reality. By offering them flexible support, we not only strengthen their safety and livelihoods, but also promote sustainable and equitable solutions for people and nature.’

Impact thanks to the Postcode Lottery

With the contribution that Both ENDS received thanks to the participants of the Postcode Lottery, we were able to achieve concrete results for female environmental and human rights defenders and their communities worldwide. The support has enabled Both ENDS and GAGGA to work on gender, environmental and climate justice by strengthening local movements, restoring ecosystems and enabling structural change – now and in the future. For example in Honduras, where indigenous Lenca women are facing hurricanes and floods due to climate change, that have resulted in crop failures and increased food insecurity. Indigenous Lenca women, who contribute nearly half of the Intibucá region's agricultural production, experience some of the lowest income levels. The grassroots organisation, Asociación de Mujeres Intibucanas Renovadas (AMIR), composed of some 650 Lenca women, promotes sustainable agricultural practices to address these challenges. With support of an ARF grant, AMIR acquired collective plots for secure, sustainable farming, allowing women to invest in soil health and utilise organic farming methods. They have improved access to these plots and installed irrigation systems to enhance productivity. Additionally, AMIR established a Green Market for Lenca women, enabling them to sell their agricultural products directly, thus increasing their income and reducing reliance on intermediaries. These initiatives empower Lenca women to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and sustainably manage resources while improving their autonomy and livelihoods.