A/HRC/51/28 E. Language and culture 52. Women’s knowledge is integrated across disciplines. For example, knowledge of agriculture is interconnected with spiritual and cultural practices. That knowledge is conveyed through stories, songs, proverbs, dance, art, community rules and rituals. Indigenous women possess vast amounts of religious and spiritual knowledge and are often recognized as spiritual leaders in their communities. In many communities, women are the custodians of sacred sites and are responsible for providing seeds for ceremonies to encourage rain and germination and to provide thanksgiving after the harvest. 46 Indigenous women are the most effective bearers of indigenous culture and language, in part because of their role as teachers and caregivers, transmitting knowledge to their children and grandchildren in lullabies from the first moments of their lives. 53. In the Vhuthanda clan of South Africa, the Makhadzi (woman elders) are responsible for leading the rituals at sacred sites and for preparing seeds for ceremonies. 47 In Siberia, Russian Federation, women hold the knowledge about the location of sacred burial grounds which is not only of cultural significance but also protects the community from harmful chemicals released by melting permafrost. The Tuawhenua Maori women of New Zealand have religious protocols for transmission of various types of knowledge along age and gender lines. In Brazil, the Kawaiwete people recognize a shaman mother to teach farming. 48 In Australia, indigenous women gather to strengthen kinship, transfer knowledge and share cultural practices and songlines.49 54. Indigenous women play a key role in the intergenerational transmission of language and the preservation of indigenous languages is vital for the protection of scientific and cultural knowledge. Indigenous women are the most effective bearers of indigenous culture and language, in part because of their role as teachers and caregivers, transmitting knowledge to their children and grandchildren.50 55. Efforts to preserve indigenous languages through revitalization projects to provide education and media in indigenous languages are crucial for protecting indigenous women’s scientific knowledge. The United Nations recently proclaimed the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) “to draw global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization and promotion”. F. Leadership 56. Historically, indigenous women have been leaders in their communities. The preservation of indigenous communities, values and ways of life depend on indigenous women and girls regaining their roles as leaders and teachers within their communities. This is especially true with respect to indigenous medicines, as women are often the holders of this knowledge. The ability of indigenous women to carry out their roles and activities is important to their mental health and well-being, and to maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity.51 46 47 48 49 50 51 12 African Biodiversity Network and The Gaia Foundation, Celebrating African Rural Women: Custodians of Seed, Food and Traditional Knowledge for Climate Change Resilience, p. 15. See also Climate Investment Funds, Empowering indigenous women to integrate traditional knowledge and practices in climate action. African Biodiversity Network and The Gaia Foundation, Celebrating African Rural Women: Custodians of Seed, Food and Traditional Knowledge for Climate Change Resilience, p. 16. Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Task Force on Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems, Indigenous and Local Knowledge about Pollination and Pollinators Associated with Food Production, p. 48. Submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission. See E/C.19/2015/4. See Native Women’s Association of Canada, “Indigenous women and girls, traditional knowledge, and environmental biodiversity protection” (February 2018).