WEA’s Alliance Hosts Global Activations for International Women’s Day
by: Kayla Mak, WEA Programs and Operations Intern
On March 8, 2024, WEA Leaders and our partners around the globe celebrated International Women’s Day. From in-person gatherings to online discussions to city-wide marches, the power of women rising from the grassroots could be felt in regions around the world.
In case you missed any of these special IWD events, we’ve gathered them all for you below!
Nigeria: Women Rising from the Grassroots
WEA Co-Founder and Co-Director, Amira Diamond, joined WEA Nigeria Program Lead and WISE Nigeria Founder, Olanike Olugboji, for an International Women’s Day celebration in Kaduna, Nigeria. More than 2,000 WEA Leaders and community members gathered in celebration of the movement for gender equity and climate justice that has been rising for more than a decade due to WEA and WISE’s partnership.
Mexico: Marcha 8M in Mexico City
WEA launched our Mexico Program in early March, where team members met with our Program Leads in Mexico City for a week-long training that culminated on International Women’s Day. WEA team members Daniela, Fiona, Laura, and Sarita joined our Mexico Program Leads for the 8M March in Mexico City, donning purple and marching for gender rights across Latin America and beyond.
Laura, WEA’s Mexico Regional Coordinator, reflected on the event:
International Women's Day always brings up many emotions within me. I have participated in IWD marches in different countries — joining new and old friends to march in solidarity. It has always struck me how in Mexico, unlike in other countries, this day is a day of demand. You won’t often hear people in Mexico saying “Happy International Women’s Day” because we know this is not a day to celebrate, given the reality for women in Mexico who face uniquely difficult circumstances surrounding gender-based violence and femicide.
WEA joined the 8M March in Mexico City alongside our Program Leads to reinforce our commitment to shining a light on the intersection between climate and gender justice. We stand in solidarity with our Program Leads and women across Mexico, and are honored to be in this movement together, paving the way toward a more sustainable future built on gender equality.
Indonesia
Inspiring Environmental Activism Through Community Discussion
Maria Iis Beribe (participant in WEA’s 2020 Indonesia Accelerator) facilitated a volunteer recruitment and discussion that took place at Kampus Tanpa Dinding in Ende, Flores, NTT. Maria engaged attendees in enthusiastic conservations about environmental activism. Watch a recap of the event here.
The Intersections of Women’s Empowerment and Environmental Stewardship with Katahati Institute
WEA Leaders Raihal Fajri and Tasya Karissa (participants in WEA’s 2019 Indonesia Accelerator) hosted an online discussion at the Katahati Institute about women’s empowerment, environmental stewardship, and community-driven sustainable initiatives with participants from Aceh and Bali. Watch a recap of the event here.
Strategies for Accessing International funding with Biorock Indonesia
During this Zoom event, WEA Leaders Tasya Karissa, Lia Putrinda, and Nabila Nadea Putri (who participated in WEA’s Indonesia Accelerator in 2019) hosted a discussion about strategies for accessing international funding for environmental initiatives. The event sparked collaboration and knowledge-sharing between attendees from Jakarta, Malang, and Bali.
Book Publishing Event with Komunitas Sahabat Bumi
In Jakarta Timur, Wulansary (a participant in WEA’s 2020 Indonesia Accelerator) organized a book publishing event to celebrate the publication of Manifestasi Folklore: Dewi Padi. The book explores the intersection of culture and environmental advocacy in Indonesia. View the book here.
Conversations on Empowerment and Environmental Awareness with Yayasan Kamboti
At Green Moluccas in Ambon, Irene Solihait (a participant in WEA’s 2019 Indonesia Accelerator) led a sharing session on empowerment and environmental awareness. The event fostered lively discussion and collaboration amongst Irene and the attendees.
Addressing Sustainability Issues with Komunitas Peduli Lingkungan
Adolfina Kumm (a participant in WEA’s 2020 Indonesia Accelerator) facilitated an insightful discussion on environmental and sustainability issues in Timika, Papua. A summary of the discussion (in Bahasa Indonesia) can be found here.
Education on Waste Hazards in Kupang, NTT
Beatrix Yunarti (who participated in WEA’s 2020 Indonesia Accelerator) organized an educational event on waste hazards. This session raised awareness about environmental conservation and waste management practices, inspiring action among event participants.