New Delhi, March 12 -- Women from indigenous, Afro-descendent and local communities play an important role in protecting forests and biodiversity. They pass down traditional knowledge, manage natural resources and help prevent deforestation. But despite their contributions, governments worldwide are failing to recognise their rights to land and forests, according to a new report titled Resilience and Resistance.

The report, released on March 11, 2025, by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), analysed land and forest laws in 35 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. It covered 80 per cent of forests.

It found that laws meant to protect women's rights are either weak or missing in most places.

Lack of legal recognition rem...