Abstract: Submission #109

Abstract South Africa as a country is facing multiple challenges such as environmental, economic, social, health and others which all impact on the wellbeing of its citizens. This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to sample all the relevant printed and online materials regarding environmental issues as well as green social work. Empowerment theory guided the study. Its basic tenet is that individuals are given autonomy and power to function willingly and through that they can take ownership of their behaviour and responsibilities. Document analysis was followed to analyse collected data. The findings are that empowering women on environmental advocacy and sustainability is an ongoing and effective investment as they (women) are the leaders and teachers in communities as far as education is concerned. Education in this regard, starts from the socialisation of children from birth going forward. When children start attending early childhood development outside their homes, it is because the foundation has been laid by the women (mothers). Protecting and sustaining environments in societies is not an individual responsibility but community, and if lead by women it becomes the social responsibility. The women as compared to men act or react quickly to crisis as they always think about protecting their children and adopt science-based policies as intervention strategies. As highlighted by sustainable development plan (SDP), number seventeen, women as partners in communities cannot be left aside or be excluded as social development theory emphasises partnerships. In this situation, sustainable development goals 10 (mitigation of gender disparities), 13 (challenges associated with climate change); and 17 (the importance of partnerships in achieving SDG) cannot be addressed separately. Women inclusion in the issues of environmental advocacy and sustainability are not only emphasised as partners but as leaders.