This OECD Global Forum on Environment dedicated on "Mainstreaming Gender and Empowering Women for Environmental Sustainability" took place on the 5th and 6th March 2020. Over two days, participants discussed the gender – environmental sustainability nexus, identifying and proposing ways to capitalise on synergies between environmental policies and economic and social goals, such as achieving gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. The Global Forum covered the following issues: • Integrating gender into environmental policies: Data and evidence challenges; • Differentiated environmental impacts on women’s and men’s health and well-being; • Sustainable and gender-inclusive urbanisation, settlements and transport infrastructure; • Gender-specific consumption patterns, behavioural insights, and circular economy; • Biodiversity, agriculture, fisheries: changing economic opportunities for women and men; • Greening energy and ensuring a just transition for men and women; • Environmental justice and empowering women and youth. More information on the Global Forum on Environment focusing on gender can be found here: http://www.oecd.org/env/global-forum-on-environment-mainstreaming-gender-and-empowering-women-for-environmental-sustainability.htm More information on the OECD Environment Directorate’s work on gender, inclusiveness and the SDGs can be found here: http://www.oecd.org/environment/gender-inclusiveness-and-sdg.htm

1. © 2020 Business for Social Responsibility
Social and gender impacts of shifting
to more circular business models
OECD Global Forum on Environment | March 2020
Cliodhnagh Conlon | BSR | cconlon@bsr.org

2. Gender: a crucial consideration in the future of the global fashion industry
The shift to circular economy focuses on environmental impacts - people aspects are often overlooked
Sources: The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service; Business of Fashion
WOMEN – V – MEN’S (US)
ANNUAL APPAREL SPEND3:1
<50% WOMENSWEAR BRANDS
DESIGNED BY WOMEN
14% MAJOR FASHION BRANDS
WITH FEMALE CEOS
WELL-KNOWN
Women represent
60–90% of jobs in
labor-intensive
stages of clothing
supply chains in
many countries​

3. At scale, circular fashion can have major impacts on people
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- - - -
WORK &
COMMUNITY
ENVIRONMENT
CONSUMPTION
PRESSURE
SUITABILITY OF
NEW MODELS
ACCESS TO
JOBS
Will cleaner production
and safer materials
benefit workers and
local communities?
Will circular products and
services fit women’s
specific needs?
OF ALL CONSUMER
PURCHASING
WOMEN DRIVE60–
70%
16%
COMPANIES
S P E C I F I C
ON WOMEN’S NEEDS
MARKET RESEARCH
Will circular models
perpetuate gendered
consumer pressure and
‘fast-fashion’ consumer
behaviour?
Will changes in jobs
disproportionately affect
women? How well
equipped are women for
roles in circular labour
markets?

4. Thank You
BSR is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of more
than 250 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. From its
offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR develops sustainable
business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-
sector collaboration.
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