Women Leading on Climate Change: A Risk Analysis
In Change by Degrees we know that women’s leadership is critical to climate action, sustainable business and a resilient society. That is why we work hard everyday at providing thought leadership, inspiration and practical solutions for a more sustainable society. To get our message across we have increased our visibility on social media, we give talks and interviews and Tara has written a book (‘How to Save Your Planet One Object At A Time’ coming out on the 16 April). Some of this leadership and visibility requires a lot of ‘courage over comfort’.
But we are lucky. When we compare the risks we face from being visible leaders on climate change to the risks that women around the world face we are alarmed. Around the world women who speak up to defend their environment and their rights and take steps to protect their community are shamed, threatened and even killed. Attacks on female human rights defenders are increasing. Last year a shocking 137 women were attacked for opposing big business and defending their communities. Some of the projects involved were renewable energy projects that acquire indigenous peoples’ land without their consent. In fact land, environmental and indigenous human rights defenders are the most at risk, accounting for almost half the 304 human rights defenders killed in 2019.
Empowering women leaders and protecting their rights is a critical step in climate action and our call to action this International Women’s Day.
Recently Tara met Bertha Zuniga Caceres from Honduras, who was in Ireland as a guest of Trociare. Her mother was killed standing up for her community and her environment. She came face to face with corporate interests that sought to silence her. She spoke out to protect her communities indigenous land rights. International finance and business believed they knew best. Bertha’s mum, also called Bertha, was shamed and eventually killed for defending the rights of her community. Now her daughter bravely fills her shoes.
Other brave daughters speak truth to power in Mexico where a wave of femicide has resulted in hundreds of women being killed. In most cases no-one had been prosecuted for the crime. No access to justice.
As women leaders committed to a better future we have to speak truth to power. We have to be courageous. But we also need to use our network to stand up for each other and to shine a light where no one sees. From women ministers and prime ministers to Hollywood actresses and indigenous women leaders, we can all get strength and security by sharing a platform with and supporting other women.
We are #strongertogether
Happy International Women’s Day
Tara and Madeleine