Gender disparity and biases in ecological restoration in Brazil

Introduction Ecological restoration is increasingly promoted to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities. While ecological outcomes are well documented, social dimensions—particularly gender inclusion—remain insufficiently examined, despite their importance for equity, legitimacy, and long‐term restoration success. Objectives We assess patterns of gender inclusion and inequality across ecological restoration science and practice in Brazil. Methods We integrated evidence from five complementary data sources: (1) peer‐reviewed publications on ecological restoration in Brazil; (2) an online survey of restoration professionals; (3 and 4) online surveys of multistakeholder restoration coalitions and initiatives; and (5) mixed online, telephone, and in‐person surveys of local stakeholders engaged in restoration projects. Results From 1995 to 2024, women's authorship in Brazilian restoration science increased steadily. Women were proportionally more represented as first authors than in overall authorship but remained under‐represented as last authors, indicating persistent gender gaps in senior academic positions. In restoration practice, women occupied only approximately 30% of temporary and permanent jobs. In a restoration project led by a local non‐governmental organization (NGO), landowners reported higher participation by men across all restoration activities (55–86%). Participants in restoration coalitions perceived greater participation by men (41%) than women (23%), with men holding most leadership positions (61%). Reports of gender‐based violence and discrimination were frequent, including sexual harassment (29%), psychological abuse (49%), and discrimination related to workplace conditions (54%), hiring (32%), pay (24%), and motherhood (16%). Conclusions Our results reveal persistent gender disparities across scientific production, employment, leadership, and workplace conditions in Brazil's ecological restoration sector. Addressing these inequities is urgent to ensure restoration advances both environmental recovery and social justice.