A Message Of Hope From Wen’s Founder As We Launch Our Archive
We are proud to launch Wen’s archive, coinciding with Women’s History Month. This is a moment to reflect on the history of our work, the women who have shaped it, and the collective action that continues to drive us forward.
Our archive captures nearly four decades of feminist environmental activism, from grassroots campaigning to national and international influence. It is a testament to the power of women coming together to create change.
To mark this moment, we are sharing a message from Wen’s Founder, Bernadette Vallely, reflecting on the beginnings of the organisation and the hope that continues to sit at the heart of our work.
A message of hope for women from Bernadette Vallely
I started the Women’s Environmental Network (Wen) and joined with a few friends who said, “Yes, ok.” I was naïve and full of hope.
But if you look over the nearly 40 years of the network, thousands and thousands of women have been affected. They have known about Wen, heard something, read something, decided to do better in their local community, or become activated. Women have decided to start businesses. Over the years I have met them. I have met dozens of excited women who say they decided to start an environmental business purely because of a Women’s Environmental Network campaign. This work changes lives. Organisations like Wen give women hope, and hope is a very powerful thing. Hope reminds us that we can be bigger than our misery or our individual fear. We can think bigger and more positively. Things usually do work out after all.
So, let’s make a vision for a beautiful world together. If you have been part of a Wen gathering at any point in your life, you are part of this positivity and hope. You have a spark in your soul that knows it’s the right thing. Thousands of women have the potential to change the earth. If I can start something, you can start something. You can do something. You can even just write a letter. It matters. It matters that you take a step forward. It matters for your soul to be engaged in useful things, in positive, hopeful ways of being, and in ways that inspire all our children. I and you want to continue and live in a better world.
As long as you are talking to the earth in a conscious way, you can’t go wrong. Listen. Act. Adore the earth. I wish you all good luck and blessings.
Bernadette Vallely, September 2025
Founder of Wen, the Women’s Environmental Network
Read about Wen’s history.
Read Kate’s Women’s History Month piece
Bernadette Vallely, Wen Founder
Bernadette is a writer, broadcaster, campaigner and environmental activist of more than 35 years. She is a United Nations Global 500 Environmental Laureate. She was the original founder and Director of Wen. Bernadette had previously worked at Greenpeace International, Friends of the Earth and the Anti Apartheid Movement where she learnt her campaigning skills and put them to good use. Over the years Bernadette has been instrumental in linking environmental problems with practical women’s action in the fields of consumer information and health.
