13 November 2024
Resilience, determination, and action!
Last week was a difficult one for many, as we witnessed the U.S. election unfold. Now that the dust has begun to settle, we’re starting to piece together what the return to this political leadership will mean for women, marginalised communities, our environment and war stricken countries, such as Palestine and Ukraine.
For Wen, and for those of us fighting for environmental, gender and racial justice, reproductive rights, and menstrual equity, this moment feels like a setback – but also a stark reminder of the resilience we need and the urgency of our work.
The outcome of the U.S. election serves as a wake-up call. It’s a reminder of how vulnerable hard-won progress can be and how quickly the rights of women and marginalised communities and vital action to address the climate crisis can be undermined.
Reproductive rights at risk
Reproductive rights and menstrual equity are not luxuries – they are essential pillars of health, dignity, and equality. Policies that disregard these values harm not just individuals but entire communities, reinforcing a narrative that the needs of women, girls, those who menstruate, and vulnerable groups are secondary. Climate change, global heating, pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, environmental degradation and the decline of nature pose severe challenges to reproductive, maternal, infant and child health. Wen stands firmly against this narrative and reaffirms our commitment to supporting climate justice and equity for all.
Climate in the balance
With COP29 taking place this month (11-29 November), the need for decisive climate action has never been clearer. This conference is a global call for action on climate justice, an area where the voices of women and marginalised communities are too often sidelined. Gender and climate justice go hand in hand as women, in particular racialised and marginalised women, are more impacted by the climate crisis due to gender, racial and social inequality. The U.S. administration’s stance on environmental policies and international cooperation on climate change will impact us all, underscoring the importance of solidarity and local action as we continue pushing for a just and sustainable future.
At Wen, we’re motivated to drive local, community-led environmental action, addressing the climate crisis by supporting grassroots movements that amplify voices often unheard in these high-level conversations.
Supporting women and marginalised communities
Elections often bring shifts that disproportionately impact women and other marginalised groups. The U.S. administration’s policies on issues such as healthcare, climate, economic support, and human rights echo globally, influencing social norms and policies far beyond its borders. Wen recognises that these shifts can intensify existing inequalities, and we stand ready to support communities here in the UK and beyond, continuing to push for the right for a healthy, safe and sustainable world. Hope, resilience, and action!
We understand the wave of emotions – grief, fear , anger – that many are experiencing right now. These are valid, human reactions to seeing essential rights threatened. But Wen is an organisation driven by hope, resilience, and action. This moment strengthens our resolve to fight for a future where all people can access the health and environmental protections they deserve.
This isn’t just about the U.S. Globally, we see a pattern of rights being called into question, and Wen is dedicated to remaining vigilant, proactive, and determined . As Margaret Atwood said, “Despair is not an option. It helps no one.”
Wen stands ready to push forward alongside our communities, our partners, and our allies. As we look to the future, let’s not allow this election to weaken our resolve. Instead, let it deepen our commitment to action and solidarity. It is moments like these that remind us of the critical importance of our work – to ensure that every woman, every girl, every person, has the opportunity to live freely, healthily, and sustainably on this shared planet.
