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As we mark International Women's Day 2024, it's crucial to acknowledge the intrinsic link between gender equality and climate change. Women and girls, particularly in marginalised communities, are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which exacerbates pre-existing socioeconomic disparities and unequal access to resources. Empowering women in environmental initiatives is crucial to addressing these disparities and enhancing climate resilience. In many regions, women are key players in sustainable development, nurturing natural resources and fostering biodiversity. By ensuring their full participation, we can harness their expertise to develop innovative solutions. UNESCO Green Citizens projects like Saathi and Poder y Luz Maya, embody this approach, empowering women while addressing environmental challenges. This International Women's Day let's explore these innovative initiatives that focus on the intersecting issues of climate change and gender equality. 

In 2014, Mechanical Engineering graduates Kristen Kagetsu, Grace Kane and Tarun Bothra initially set out to develop and sell machines producing sanitary pads, to improve women’s access to safe menstrual hygiene products in rural India. However, when arriving in Gujarat they were confronted by a stark realisation: sanitary pads produce over 100,000 tons of plastic pollution in India every year. Taking inspiration from the abundance of banana fibre in the region, they embarked on a mission to create biodegradable sanitary pads, and the Saathi project was born. This groundbreaking UNESCO Green Citizens project is revolutionising menstrual hygiene management while championing social and environmental causes. 

Saathi has already had profound impacts. Women have gained access to safe menstrual products, enabling them to participate fully in society without fear of health risks. Moreover, the project has raises awareness about women’s hygiene, and addresses stigma around menstruation. Saathi's commitment to sustainability extended beyond product innovation. Increasing the local community’s awareness and involvement in environmental conservation has led to tangible improvements in waste management, carbon footprint reduction, and fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. With community at its core, Saathi has demonstrated the transformative potential of local-led efforts in addressing complex global challenges like climate change. Kristen, Grace and Tarun’s story exemplifies the importance of investing in women if we want to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals. By prioritizing women's health and empowerment, Saathi not only improves the quality of lives at a local level, but also contributed to broader societal and environmental well-being.  

In the Western Highlands of Guatemala, Monika Noeline Goforth and Marilena Choguaj recognised the urgent need to address lack of electricity, clean water, and extreme poverty. Wanting to make a difference, they founded Poder y Luz Maya in 2014, aiming to provide access to basic services and combat environmental degradation. This UNESCO Green Citizens project offers climate-smart solutions such as water filters, solar systems, and clean stoves, improving health, boosting the economy, and reducing carbon emissions. At the heart of their mission is the empowerment of women as leaders and agents of change. By providing access to information and technology, Poder y Luz Maya enables women to play a central role in developing sustainable solutions for their communities. Through training programs and advocacy efforts, women have become catalysts for progress, driving innovation and promoting gender equality.  

By promoting gender equality, Poder y Luz Maya not only fosters sustainable practices but also enhances the overall quality of life in the region. Now, over 15,000 people have access to solar energy, transforming lives and livelihoods, and nearly 1,000 rural Guatemalans have been trained in solar technology, unlocking new opportunities for economic empowerment. Moreover, solar-powered community buildings, schools, and educational institutes have become hubs of sustainability and resilience. With a particular focus on women, this trailblazing initiative showcases how by investing in women as leaders and change-makers, we can advance both gender equality and environmental sustainability, and catalyse positive change.  

These innovative UNESCO Green Citizens solutions that empower women and engage communities in sustainable practices, exemplify how small-scale initiatives can drive meaningful change on a larger scale. On International Women's Day, let’s recognise the vital role women play in advancing sustainability and championing local-led efforts in the fight against climate change. By prioritizing women's participation and leadership, we not only accelerate progress towards gender equality and environmental sustainability, but also lay the foundation for a world that is more resilient and just.