We are ringing in the New Year with a new program at the Women’s Centre. This month, we are officially launching our environmental program, and we are excited to tell you about it!
Why an environmental program?
Solutions for building a more sustainable society need to be inclusive, meaning the voices and experiences of diverse groups are accounted for at every stage of the decision-making process.
Both overseas, and here in Canada, women are among the most affected by environmental and climate issues. Women in Canada are more likely to live in poverty and experience many other forms of marginalization. These and other factors mean that for women, the stakes are incredibly high when it comes to decisions around our environment.
In spite of the fact that women are greatly impacted by environmental issues, in comparison to men, women are also under-represented when it comes to making decisions about the environment.
The impact things like climate change and sustainability have on women is often an afterthought rather than an active discussion.
We want women in Calgary to have the capacity, agency and resources they need to take part in sustainable development, learn about environmental issues, and work for environmental change.
What are we doing?
In the same way we discuss social issues like poverty, childcare and affordable housing, and the affect they have on women, we are going to apply a gender lens to environmental issues. These issues can be broad – like the role of women in environmental movements – or more specific — like gender and urban planning in Calgary.
At our January 18th launch event, we’re kicking things off with a discussion around one of the biggest issues of them all – climate change.
Conversation
After our launch, we’ll be hosting an environmental issues discussion on the third Wednesday of every month. We’ll select discussion topics with the help of our community – if you have a topic you’d like to see covered, come let us know on January 18th, or get in touch with us online.
Connection
Applying a gender lens, and discussing environmental issues is a part of the story, but not all of it. We know we are stronger when we come together to share our experiences, expertise and stories. Our environmental program is a place for women to connect with one another over shared interest in environmental issues, and work together for positive change. Our program launch event will include a meet and greet – an opportunity to get to know other women who are passionate about environmental work.
Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about applying a gender lens to environmental issues, and connecting with other women interested in these topics, there a number of ways to get involved! You can:
RSVP to our January 18th launch and issues discussion.
Share this event widely, with your friends and networks
Suggest a topic relating to the environment, climate change or sustainability that you would like to hear more about Our discussion series, and January 18 program launch, is open to anyone who identifies as female. If you would like more information, or would like to suggest a future discussion topic, email Krystal Northey, Community Development Coordinator, at krystal@womenscentrecalgary.org.