Every person, regardless of their gender, should have equal rights to human, social, economic and cultural
developments and an equal voice in civil and political discussions. The UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub
(SANH) aims to contribute to reducing the impacts of both nitrogen pollution and poverty in a way that is likely to
reduce inequality between people of different genders.
This statement outlines how SANH is ensuring that inequality is not perpetuated, that the different rights and needs
of all genders are recognised and addressed and that people of different genders share the benefits of our
research.
Equal and Meaningful Opportunities
SANH is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for people of all genders in every aspect of our project.
Maintaining gender balance at all levels from the Executive and Advisory Groups to our Early Career Researchers
ensures that the perspectives of women in research are promoted. In particular gender balance within the Ethical
Advisory Committee, allows for the views of women to be included in important discussions on research ethics and
safeguarding. The Hub makes a particular effort to provide training and capacity-building opportunities for early
career researchers and encourages women to participate and host these sessions. SANH also works on increasing
inclusion for all genders and structures meetings in ways that create equal opportunities for all members to share
their views and perspectives.
Gender Equality in SANH is not just limited to our members but also those who participate in and benefit from our
research. All of our social science and policy work aims to include a balance of perspectives. This is achieved by
providing equal and equitable opportunities for men and women to participate in our research whilst ensuring their
wellbeing and safety. SANH also works on increasing women's participation in the nitrogen policy arena to promote
gender equality in policymaking.
SANH's impact on Gender Equality
The impacts of nitrogen pollution and its solutions revolve around people. Therefore the nitrogen challenge has an
intrinsic gender aspect which is being explored by our research. Work Packages 2.2 and 1.3 are conducting surveys
to explore possible nitrogen mitigation solutions at a village level. Both work packages examine how nitrogen
pollution impacts different genders and evaluate possible solutions that protect both genders from pollution and
encourage gender equality.
Work Package 3.1 and 3.2 look at the socio-economic impacts of nitrogen pollution on Himalayan lichens and coral
reefs. This work helps us better understand how nitrogen pollution impacts different genders and discover ways to
protect these ecosystem services in a way that fosters gender equality. SANH uses all of its research to provide
policy recommendations that focus on improving the environment in a way that improves gender equality.
Nitrogen Pollution and Gender Roles
Due to current gender roles, women and children are increasingly susceptible to the environmental, social and
health impacts of nitrogen pollution. Through evaluating village-based solutions from a gender equality perspective,
SANH aims to help reduce the impact of nitrogen pollution on all people, especially women and children. Taking
gender roles into account, empowering nitrogen solutions can increase gender equality through changing the roles
and responsibilities in households and villages.
Ensuring Gender Equality
The SANH Gender Equality Working Group ensures gender equality throughout the Hub and that unintended
negative consequences on gender equality are avoided or mitigated. The group monitors our progress towards
SANH's gender equality aims, included in the SANH Gender Equality Strategy. They also implement tools to improve
equality for all Hub members. The group which meets multiple times a year also identifies any risks or unintended
negative consequences on gender equality and develops practical solutions to these issues.
Gender and Data
Data is key to SANH measuring its progress towards all of its gender equality goals. Data disaggregated by age and
gender from village-level surveys helps explore how gender roles can be modified for both increased gender
equality and nitrogen pollution mitigation. The data generated in SANH’s social science and policy work is utilised
to help create policy recommendations that benefit both genders and promote equality. Within the Hub itself, data
is vital in ensuring gender balance at all levels. Age and gender data, collected where appropriate, is also used to
explore meeting accessibility and engagement. Lastly, survey data from across the Hub is used by the Gender
Equality Group to examine ways to improve opportunities for all Hub members and to identify and address any
unintended negative consequences on gender equality.