The reality is challenging, yet undeniable—significant inequalities between genders remain prevalent. It is disheartening to encounter daily news about rollbacks in women’s rights, threats to personal safety, and enduring economic challenges faced by women.
Regrettably, these disparities are rooted in systemic issues influenced by those in power. Despite some advancements, women continue to represent only 28 percent of the U.S. Senate. In state legislatures, they comprise 29.9 percent of state senate positions and 33.7 percent of state house seats.
It’s hardly surprising that efforts to bridge the wage gap have also stagnated, with women earning merely 82 cents for every dollar men make—a figure that has barely shifted in 20 years.
One thing is abundantly clear—it’s crucial to mobilize efforts now. While it’s easy to feel despondent, the present moment is vital for advocates of women’s rights to raise their voices.
Women in the Workforce
WEDO is actively engaging in the critical landscape of women’s rights advocacy. Established in 1991 by activists Bella Abzug and Mim Kelber, WEDO has been at the forefront of championing women’s rights for over three decades.
The organization aims to improve women’s rights, promote gender equality, and advocate for environmental protections and feminist outlooks on climate justice through conferences, activism, fundraising, and community outreach.
“Our framework is designed to shift power, resources, and mindsets,” explains Executive Director Bridget Burns. “We aim to redefine who has a voice in these arenas, as we believe altering representation can lead to transformative policy changes.”
WEDO’s advocacy efforts are centered on four significant areas—Advocacy and Influence, Capacity Building and Training, Knowledge Production and Outreach, and Resource Distribution. This comprehensive approach involves shaping financial allocations, promoting and amplifying feminist viewpoints on global challenges, and supporting marginalized communities and their solutions.
WEDO understands that its approach to change is holistic; it recognizes the interconnectedness of economic justice, climate issues, reproductive health, and women’s safety.
“We possess a profound comprehension of systemic issues, acknowledging that problems are not isolated, but rather interconnected,” states Burns. “When discussing climate justice, we are also addressing gender equality. We create spaces where grassroots feminists from diverse backgrounds can unite and see how their struggles are related.”
Mothering Mother Earth
WEDO’s critical focus is on combating the existential threat posed by climate change. By emphasizing feminist perspectives on this issue, they uncover innovative ideas and solutions that could prove pivotal in the fight for our planet’s well-being.
Studies indicate that women’s advocacy and action in climate matters often surpass that of men, particularly concerning local issues. Research shows women tend to perceive greater personal risk from the impacts of global warming.
Despite their pivotal role, funding and support for women’s climate initiatives are largely overlooked. A report from the Generation Equality Action Coalition highlights that merely 3 percent of environmental philanthropic funding is allocated to women’s activism, while women in scientific fields often face significant barriers due to factors like race and nationality.
WEDO is keen to elevate the insights provided by Indigenous women, who are disproportionately affected by climate injustices. “We see a wealth of analysis from feminists about Indigenous traditional knowledge, presenting alternative lifestyles more aligned with sustainability,” affirms Burns.
Evidence supports her claims; a UN report states that Indigenous People, especially women, should play central roles in the global response to climate change to help protect biodiversity and combat its degradation.
Regrettably, these women often lack representation in important discussions. At the 2023 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), women comprised only 34 percent of delegates, marking only a 3 percent increase since 2008.
Raise Your Voice
WEDO believes that women affected by climate changes, along with all advocates, deserve to have their voices heard. For the past decade, they have operated the Women Delegates Fund, supporting over 200 women from vulnerable nations to ensure their concerns are represented at climate negotiations such as COP28.
WEDO emphasizes that while bringing women into critical meetings is essential, it is equally important to equip them with the knowledge and strategies to navigate spaces that have historically shut them out. “It isn’t merely about attending a meeting,” asserts Burns. “We provide extensive training and support to empower individuals on how to engage in these settings.”
Advancing Together
WEDO strives not just for solutions regarding climate change and gender equity, but for those solutions to be just and fair. “Our advocacy work aims to dismantle the transition from one unjust economic structure to another under the guise of renewable energy,” remarks Burns.
In the ongoing journey of advocacy, Burns underscores the power of community to generate substantial change. “Collective action fosters resilience, which is central to our advocacy efforts,” she states.
As WEDO continues to refine its objectives—combating fossil fuels, shining a light on innovative solutions from women in marginalized regions, challenging corporate greed, and pushing for systemic reform at all decision-making levels—Burns holds onto optimism for a brighter future, tackling each day with the hope of small victories. “We are engaged in a politics of hope,” she concludes.
