Four young women on the vanguard of a new generation of climate activism call for equality for women, and justice for the planet.
Avani Awasthee, 23, represented India on the International Antarctic Expedition in 2016, the youngest person to take part.
“Gender prejudice is still rampant. I realized this inequality the day my parents and I were ridiculed for my accepting the opportunity to embark on the Antarctic expedition. I felt like giving up on a couple occasions, but [the challenge] pushed me harder. It became more than a personal struggle, a battle for gender equality. I embarked on the journey to Antarctica in 2016, with like-minded people from across the world who had come together to find solutions to fight climate change.”
Selin Gören, is a 19-year old climate activist and eco-entrepreneur who works with movements including Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion and Youth for Climate.
“It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of all our goals. One person cannot change the world, we can come together and fight for the things we believe in, in solidarity. Climate justice affects everyone, we must raise the voices of the marginalized people who are directly facing injustice. Bringing the local [experiences and perspectives] to the international level is very important.”
Devishi Jha, 18, is climate activist and Director of Partnerships at Zero Hour, an international youth-led climate justice organization.
“Heat waves, burning forests, and natural disasters disproportionately affect women, adding to the burdens of inequality and discrimination that women already shoulder. There are so many global challenges that we face that require time and energy to pursue and solve, but climate action and gender equality are two very important issues to focus this year and beyond. [I believe that] everyone should be a gender equality and climate activist….”
Immaculate Akello, aged 25, is a climate change activist and lawyer whose work is transforming the lives of rural women in northern Uganda.
“I speak up for women's rights because someone spoke up for me. Someone else fought tooth and nail to ensure that I have spaces that empower me, as a young woman. I would like to ask every young person to step up so that others are not stepped on. Rural women are one of the most affected groups by climate change. By becoming a women's rights activist, you are not only creating enabling societies for yourself, your daughters, sisters and mothers but also for your sons, brothers and fathers.”
