Maria Adebowale is Director of Capacity Global, a social enterprise specialising in environmental equality, diversity, community participation and sustainable development.

She has a Masters in Public International Law and is also the author of numerous publications in her specialist areas. Maria is Chair of Waterwise and the Access & Inclusion Commissioner for English Heritage and formerly a Commissioner on the UK Sustainable Development Commission and former trustee of WEN.

Fighting for the rights of women has never been easy. Whilst women suffer disproportionately from many global and local environmental threats they have stayed strong and been at the forefront of environmental campaigning. WEN has played a pioneering role in promoting and advocating the woman’s perspective on environmental protection and social justice. I am proud to support the work of WEN now and in the future.

Josephine Fairley is an author, journalist and former magazine editor who also – alongside her husband, Craig Sams – founded the pioneering organic company Green & Black’s.

Passionately interested in the environment since 1972 – when a friend inspired her with the gift of a book called The Shopper’s Guide to Saving The Planet – she had a ‘green’ column on the women’s pages of The Times as long ago as the late 80s, and co-presented a Sky TV show called Go For Green, with David Bellamy.

She is also co-author of a series of bestselling beauty books, The Beauty Bible which aims to help women make smarter cosmetics choices, scrutinising ingredients lists to award ‘daisies’ for naturalness to products that have genuinely high levels of botanicals, and avoid synthetic ingredients.

She has most recently converted a traditional high street bakery in her home town of Hastings – Judges Bakery – to Soil Association status, where customers can find everything from artisan bread to organic pink meringue pigs, alongside a 100% organic (and local-as-possible) offering of fresh produce, cheese and dairy, store cupboard essentials, meat and wines.

See pics of Jo Fairley at our Meet the Matrons AGM here

Sandra is a qualified pharmacist and managed a pharmacy before becoming an MP in May 2000. She was appointed spokesperson on women's issues in 2001 and became Shadow Minister for Women in 2003. In 2003 she also became spokesperson for older people. Her concerns regarding education, the Health Service and the environment led her to become active in politics.

Sandra has long been active in her local community. She has worked with the local Monforts Residents' Association and has chaired the local Bartletts' alms houses. She also sits on the Romsey Hospital Steering Committee and for many years was a voluntary antenatal teacher with the National Childbirth Trust.

In 2004, Sandra tabled a WEN amendment to an Early Day Motion on breast cancer (EDM 671A1) calling for a national strategy for primary prevention, to reduce instances of breast cancer by promoting systematic research into, and action to reduce, exposure to suspected environmental factors.

I have been particularly impressed with WEN’s range of activity but especially its focus on the practical things that can be done to improve both health and the environment. As women are predominantly responsible for educating the next generation the work has an intrinsic added value.

Penney Poyzer is the eco-expert presenter of BBC1's show No Waste Like Home. She owns her own award winning eco-home and has guided hundreds of households and informed thousands of people about how to save money through living a greener lifestyle.

As project co-ordinator of 'Green Apple Award' winning EcoTeams (part of Global Action Plan) she transformed a bureacracy-heavy household programme from Holland into a simple to use action plan that was hailed by the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee as one ‘that is changing hearts and minds’.

Penney also created the first ever youth EcoTeam which has also won awards and was featured on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours. The programme is now also running in other parts of the UK.

The EcoTeam programme has attracted interest internationally and her efforts have been recognised at the highest level. In October 2003 she was invited to number 10 by the Prime Minister and Mrs Blair to attend a special reception for people acknowledged to be leaders of green practice in the heart of communities.

Penney currently runs an eco bed and breakfast from her home, gives lectures, is a trainer in household sustainability and is regularly quoted in national and local media. She runs training courses and tours for both public and professional audiences. She is also a trainer in green issues for the construction industry.

About 10 years ago, I woke up one sunny morning and as the warmth streamed across my face, I realised my life's mission, to 'convert' as many people as possible to live a greener life and as quickly as possible.

I have often turned to WEN for information - it is clear on its campaigns, the research is solid, the honesty and lack of frills is as refreshing as a glass of cool clean water. It is a growing network of women who no longer buy into the illusion of our all-consuming society.

What I admire most about WEN is that it does not shy away from peeling the gloss off highly marketed products. It does not shy away from revealing the hideous legacy of waste that comes from non-biodegradable nappies and unnecessary feminine hygiene products - designed to make our lives 'simple'.

I like the fact that WEN has brought stress incontinence out of the shadows - most women will suffer from it at some point in their lives - I have! WEN's work is providing women with the facts and it is only with knowledge that we can change perceptions and engender positive action.

I would urge every woman to join WEN - women ARE the environmental network. Become aware, become active, educate and lead by example. Become mean with the natural resources you use, make your home as healthy as possible, enlighten others and lighten the burden on our environment.

As a mother and soon to be grandmother, my concern grows as to what state our planet will be in when my grandchild reaches 50. In fifty years, I hope to be an active annoying 95 year old, still campaigning and annoying the marketing men.

Hayley Westenra was born in New Zealand and hit the world stage with her first album, Pure, made when she was just 15 years old. Pure has so far sold 2 million copies. Her new album, Treasure, a collection of traditional, classical and new songs was released in the UK on 26 February by Universal Music (Decca Music Group). For more about her see www.hayleywestenra.com

See pics of Hayley Westenra at our Meet the Matrons AGM here

When I first spotted WEN’s website I thought "wow! This organisation really stands for things I’m passionate about – I’ve just got to join this group of like-minded people. I’d urge any woman who is concerned about issues like climate change, excessive waste, poor quality food and chemicals that are harming health and the environment to join WEN and support their campaigns."