Women are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We're leading the fight for a better planet from climate strikes to policy and we're also disproportionately impacted by the consequences of a warming planet. It's probably not the first time you've heard thatclimate change disproportionately affects women. Why is this the case? Because people who aren't men are more likely to live in more vulnerable situations, more likely to experience poverty, have less basic human rights than men and in times of instability, health crises and extreme weather are more likely to face systemic violence.
As Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson says in this piece - "In a lot of places in the world, women are primarily responsible for getting water, for maintaining gardens. Those are all things that become harder and more difficult because of our changing climate. After natural disasters — or increasingly unnatural disasters — it's often women who are most at risk. "
But women are also powerful leaders of change. We weave communities that support and uplift one another in times of struggle. Women drive 70-80 percent of all consumer purchasing through their buying power and influence, according to Inc. This means, we have the power to make a real difference to the economy and what the world spends money on. And I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty cool!
As a women's movement fighting for climate justice, we wanted to take the time to acknowledge other women's organisations in the field and how you can help. We are all in this together.
Organisations that fight for climate justice and women empowerment:
WECAN Women's Earth & Climate Action Network
WECAN is an international, solutions-based organisation focused on engaging women in policy advocacy, on-the-ground projects, direct action, training, and movement building for global climate justice.
WEDO Women's Environment & Development Organisation
WEDO's mission is to fight for the social and economic rights of women and environmental justice. They fight to make sure sustainable development principles are at the heart of global and national policies and practices.
View this post on Instagram
"Climate change is a feminist issue. Or really, climate change is an issue of patriarchy, racism, and exploitation. And if feminists care about these things, then we really need to care about climate change. Climate change affects women, girls, and gender non-conforming folks in ways that are different — and usually worse — than men. Women and non-binary folks are at the forefront of environmental changes, and are impacted by them more severely because of the political and economic marginalization they already face." . . Yesterday, #HLPF2019 wrapped up at the UN headquarters in NYC, and we want governments to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts - there can be no climate justice without gender justice! . . Be sure to check out @dolanmara's powerful article featured in @thebeammagazine on behalf of the Women's Major Group for the latest on #womenclimatejustice >> bit.ly/womenclimate #feministdemand #climatechange #climatejustice #genderjustice #womensrights #humanrights
A post shared by WEDO (@wedo_worldwide) on
Solar Sister
Solar Sister trains and supports women to deliver clean energy directly to homes in rural African communities. They believe everyone should have access to clean energy and they believe women are a key part of the solution. They invest in women's enterprise in off-grid communities to grow the clean energy sector. Centring local women in a rapidly growing clean energy sector is essential to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable solutions to climate change and a host of development issues.
View this post on Instagram
Today is #givingtuesdaynow, a new global day of giving in response to the COVID-19 crisis. We know that times are tough for everyone, but now more than ever, our women-led network of clean energy entrepreneurs needs us, and we need you. No dollar amount is too small! Every contribution will go to ensuring that our entrepreneurs can support themselves and their families through this time: https://bit.ly/2A1Xo0m
A post shared by Solar Sister (@iamsolarsister) on
Action Aid
Action aid partners with local women's organisations to support them to design and lead programs that will make change happen in their communities. From empowering women with the tools to campaign for safer cities or building women's capacity to respond to climate disasters, they support lower-income and minority communities
View this post on Instagram
Happy Human Rights Day! 16 days ago, women around the world mobilised as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Today, and everyday, we stand in solidarity with women everywhere, as part of a people powered movement for women's rights. #16Days #HumanRightsDay
A post shared by ActionAid Australia (@actionaidaustralia) on
Intersectional Environmentalist
It's important to remember intersectionality that identifies the intersection of different kinds of oppression like race, class and gender in climate injustice. The Intersectional Environmentalist is a platform for "resources, information and action steps to support intersectional environmentalism and dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement, led by environmental activist and sustainability advocates".
View this post on Instagram
"Everything is interdisciplinary and intersectional" ~ Climate-Activist @toritsui_ check out their most recent post to learn more. No justice. No peace. 🌍✊🏾 Art by @erinshea__ A note: when reposting please tag the artist. Even when work is made for IE by an IE intern/employee we will still tag the artist and appreciate if you do to! 🦋
A post shared by IE (@intersectionalenvironmentalist) on
1 Million Women
WE are building a lifestyle revolution to fight the climate crisis. We are a movement of women and girls fighting for climate justice and cutting CO2 emissions through the way that we live. Our mission is to empower women to create real change within their daily lives and inspire people around them.
View this post on Instagram
📣 Let's be so loud, they can't ignore us! Words from @natalieisaacs1mw 💚
A post shared by 1 Million Women (@1millionwomen) on
What can you do?
- Donate! We know that 2020 has called for donations to many different causes and it's impossible to donate to them all. But if you feel like this is a cause you care about and you have the means to do so, look into donating to one of the organisations working in the women and climate change space.
- Join the movement! Most organisations allow people to join their movements and participate in on-the-ground volunteering opportunities or help spread digital messages.
- Share with your friends! Share the information and resources from these organisations on your social media, send a link to a friend or family member or just arm yourself with the knowledge for the next time you end up in a discussion about climate justice at your next dinner party (in the before times) or zoom party (in pandemic times).
Know an organisation that we should add to the list? Let us know!
Read this next: Your Bank Might Be Undoing All Your Good Work For The Planet, But It's Easy To Fix
Header photo by Alex Hudson on Unsplash
