On International Women’s Day, we celebrate that women are leading the way in the fight for climate justice
Happy International Women’s Day! Today is about showcasing and celebrating the numerous ways women around the world are changing things for the better.
In particular, women are the leading lights of the environmental movement. Take for example Gail Bradbrook, initiator and coordinator of the global Extinction Rebellion movement. Inspired by activist of the moment Greta Thunberg. They are both, as well as many other women in communities, organisations and networks, showing an exceptional example of devotion to saving our Earth.
We found further inspiration in a list of 10 women’s networks for supporting environmental and social change, assembled by Suzi Martineau, Education & Partnerships Coordinator of ‘TreeSisters’ - a women-led global reforestation charity, and shared on permaculture.co.uk. It demonstrates the remarkable scale of the growing women’s environmental movement at this time. We were familiar with some while delighted to hear about the others for the first time.
Enjoy them below (and click on the headline to be guided to the network’s website).
One Million Women
Based in Sydney, this growing movement of 800,000 plus supports women to make environmentally-conscious consumer decisions to reduce their household’s carbon footprint. “One small action at a time multiplied by millions and millions changes the system,” says founder Natalie Isaacs.
Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF)
With offices in the Netherlands, Germany and France, this international network consists of 150 member organisations and individual members working in reciprocal cooperation in 50 countries. The movement is promoting an equitable and sustainable world, with a gender-based approach to environmental development policy and implementation.
World Pulse
Located in Oregon, USA, this award-winning social network of 64K changemakers in 190 countries, connects women through technology, providing a platform for their voices to be heard around the world. They share resources, launch movements, start businesses, run for office and generate change via environmental, human rights, health and education projects.
Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)
This worldwide network of networks unites women around sustainability solutions and policy advocacy, with especial focus on mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.
Moms Clean Air Force
This US-based community of over 1,000,000 mothers alleviates air pollution and climate change and protects children’s health. With resources online, members work on policy issues and meet with lawmakers at every level of government to build support for practical solutions to pollution.
Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA)
WEA Equips women with the skills and tools they need to protect the Earth and strengthen communities across India, Nepal, Africa and South America. The WEA has implemented 125 women’s environmental and entrepreneurship projects in 18 countries, to bring safe water, clean energy, regenerative farming and women’s land rights.
Women’s March
The 2017 march was the largest single-day protest in US history. The movement draws on a diversity of women to activate social and environmental change, which has since mushroomed into a network of 1.2 million women and allies across the USA. The movement has inspired marches in other countries worldwide.
Women’s Environmental Network (WEN)
Founded by Anita Roddick and other environmental and social justice pioneers, this UK-based charity focuses on issues linking women, health and the environment. WEN inspires women to make environmentally informed choices and to become active changemakers contributing to a sustainable future.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM)
GBM is an environmental organisation founded in Kenya in 1977 by Wangari Maathai in response to the needs of rural Kenyan women faced with drying up streams, insecure food supplies and lack of direct access to firewood. Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 and her work remains an exemplary model, inspiring women across Africa to re-green their communities.
Awakening Women Institute
This growing global movement and social network with over 317K Facebook followers, supports women to create safe spaces to explore their relationship to the Earth and living systems. They regularly donate to non-profit organizations supporting women, children and the environment.
Today TreeSisters launch their worldwide ‘Sing for the Trees’ campaign. It’s all about women gathering in their local area and showing appreciation for the trees all life depends on - by singing for them. Here’s a short explanation of the campaign and how to join. And check out all the other amazing work TreeSisters are doing here.