HEAR FROM THE KEY VOICES ON OUR PANEL – WEN FORUM MARCH 2024
For International Women’s Day 2024, the Wen Forum brought together a panel of experts and activists to shed light on the intertwined challenges of the climate crisis, gender inequality, and racial and social injustice. The event underscored the urgent need for a collective approach to address these overlapping crises.
Among the panellists were Lola Fayokun, Youth Climate Justice Campaigner, member of Advisory Board, Uplift; Dr Amiera Sawas, Head Of Research And Policy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative; Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director, Women’s Budget Group; Nina Jeffs, Academy Associate, Chatham House; Ndivile Mokoena Project Coordinator for GenderCC Southern Africa – a gender, climate, and social justice activist and Roshini Thamotheram, Climate Sisters Programme Manager.
In this blog, we summarise some of the key take-home messages of the panel. You can also watch a recording of the event:
Currently, gender is not enough of a focus in mainstream climate planning despite being a key axis through which climate impacts are felt globally – Dr Amiera Sawas, Head Of Research And Policy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
Dr. Amiera Sawas underscored the importance of diversity in climate activism. She pointed out that inclusive movements, powered by a broad array of voices and led by community organising, are crucial for holding governments accountable and driving meaningful change. Sawas’ message was clear: everyone has a role to play in the environmental movement, and diverse perspectives are key to developing effective solutions.
Sawas shared that 51% of the world is not being involved in climate action and a shocking 1% of aid is being sent to women-led organisations. Sawas affirmed that tackling patriarchal attitudes and injustice in the Global South are intertwined with climate justice.
Dr Amiera Sawas, Head Of Research And Policy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
“Only 3% of all climate related aid has gender equality as a principal objective… decision makers are not getting it”
Feminist Green New Deal: A Call for Gender-sensitive Climate Policies – Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director, Women’s Budget Group
Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson discussed the Feminist Green New Deal, a progressive framework proposing policies that recognise and address the gendered and intersectional nature of the climate crisis. Her insights highlighted the unequal burden women bear due to climate-related impacts, advocating for policies that not only mitigate climate change but also foster gender equality.
“There’s a pattern of a combined crisis of climate and inequality… policymakers failing to realise that women are often hit harder whether it’s by the impact of climate change or the spiralling cost of living”
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director, Women’s Budget Group
Our understanding of climate responsibilities is important. Fairness in adapting, changing, or reducing our carbon footprint based on social equity is key – Ndivile Mokoena, Project Coordinator for GenderCC Southern Africa, Gender, Climate, and Social Justice Activist
Ndville Mokoena spoke of the struggles evident in South Africa, that of gender disparities and how climate change has contributed to the ever-growing economic gap between the rich and poor.
She mentioned the importance of acknowledging apartheid, colonialism and neoliberalism as actors in perpetrating climate violence which disproportionately affects marginalised communities in South Africa. Mokoena affirmed that in order to achieve true sustainable development, we must close the gender gap.
Ndivile Mokoena, Project Coordinator for GenderCC Southern Africa, gender, climate, and social justice activist.
“There is a big gap of ‘the haves’ and ‘the have nots’…
those who are privileged are over consuming but the message of cutting down is taken to local communities who have nothing to do with it”
Racial and gender justice in green jobs is key – and urgently missing – Nina Jeffs, Academy Associate, Chatham House
Nina Jeffs emphasised the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly those in developing nations. She argued for the creation of inclusive climate policies in urban planning and infrastructure development, ensuring that cities become resilient while being mindful of gender dynamics.
“Without special just transition measures by the end of the century women will make up less than 40% people working in green jobs and people of colour would also be underrepresented”
Nina Jeffs, Academy Associate, Chatham House
Care is an essential component of a just, sustainable society. Yet, at risk of being deprioritised if economic concerns come first – Lola Fayokun, Youth Climate Justice Campaigner, Member of Advisory Board, Uplift
Lola Fayokun brought an interesting angle to the discussion by highlighting the vital role men play in supporting women’s leadership and promoting diversity in political and environmental activism. She encouraged men to actively participate in nurturing an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued.
Lola emphasised that we must approach the climate crisis with attention to gender and social equity because it is vital to the causes, outcomes and solutions.
Lola Fayokun, Youth Climate Justice Campaigner, member of Advisory Board, Uplift
“Care is viewed as something which does not fit neatly into that picture of growth”
Change starts with local action – Climate Sister’s: Aleya Taher, Community Activist, Facilitator and Organiser
Women across Tower Hamlets are empowering themselves and their communities to be part of low-carbon transition processes and decision-making.
“In Tower Hamlets… I’m working with the community, we’ve got a growing space…
I’m just calling to the ladies to come and grow more food, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit….
All the Climate Sisters, we’re just sharing all the time how we’re going to help our community and our sisters”
Climate Sister’s: Aleya Taher, community activist, facilitator and organiser
You can find out more about this work by the Climate Sister’s in their own words in our short film:
Find out more about Wen Forum
Summary of Wen Forum event by Sumayah Rahman and Louise Turner
