Women's Environment and Development Organization

The last decade of the 20th century witnessed women's increasing engagement in the issue of the environment, which was traditionally perceived as a male-dominated policy area. A number of women's organizations emphasizing the role played by gender in environmental politics were founded and became active during this period. The Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), established by former U.S. Congresswoman Bella Abzug and journalist Mim Kelber in 1990, became one of the prominent organizations working on this issue.

WEDO purports that women's perspectives should be incorporated into policies and programs regarding issues that have traditionally excluded their contribution, such as environment, development, and population. It contends that, for the provision of economic, social, and gender equality-and the achievement of a healthy environment-women's decision-making powers, both in ...