In the face of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, the displacement of millions around the world, and the devastating impacts of environmental degradation on the Earth and our diverse communities – the most pressing story that needs to be heard is that of women on the frontlines of climate change.

Women are impacted first and worst by climate change, yet are simultaneously essential actors in local and global solutions. Studies worldwide demonstrate that women must be engaged at all levels of participation, leadership and decision-making to build effective and just social and ecological programs and communities. And yet, the voice and rights of women often continue to be suppressed and ignored. As CNN and Media Matters have reported, only 15% of those interviewed in the media on climate change have been women.

‘Women Speak: Stories, Case Studies And Solutions From The Frontlines Of Climate Change’ is a web-based research database and initiative designed to shift the narrative and to challenge dominant systems of exploitation and oppression of women and the Earth, as we collect and share thousands of stories by and about women leading struggles and solutions for climate justice under a variety of cross-sectional themes. The goal is to create an accessible and ever-growing source of information, research and multimedia storytelling for frontline Earth defenders, policy makers, journalists, activists, educators, students, and all those seeking to understand and demonstrate why and how women are paramount to just action on climate change, and the defense and protection of the web of life itself.

After extensive research collection for the compilation of this database – the stories, struggles and solutions included in the ‘Women Speak’ initiative represent just a fraction of the millions of indispensable actions being taken by women around the world – much of which remains undocumented and unpublished. The ‘Women Speak’ database will grow ongoingly with and for our movements for climate justice and future generations.

As the oceans and temperatures rise, so do the women of the world.