Climate activists, community leaders, human rights advocates―women around the world have pushed for change across arenas and sustain hope for future progress. In Iran, women have led the revolution against the government through the Women, Life, Freedom movement to ensure that everyone has safety, rights, and religious freedom. In Afghanistan, thousands of unnamed women fight Taliban leadership to push for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Women in Latin America have continued the fight for their rights, with a “green wave” of grassroots movements pushing for abortion rights. In lieu of their efforts, Mexico has decriminalized abortion, Ecuador has decriminalized it up to 24 weeks, and other countries are re-evaluating their laws. In Ukraine, women are working hard to maintain global food security. Nadiia Ivanova and ~10,000 other women farmers are fighting to keep up food production in the midst of the Russian invasion, supplying food and shelter to Ukrainian soldiers, as well as global food markets. Women are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and intersections across movements. They are demanding seats at the table at global climate forums, pushing for legislation such as the “loss and damage” fund that was approved during COP27. This will support developing countries that are vulnerable to climate change, and center around some of the issues that impact women in the crisis. This is one example of many efforts by women in the climate justice movement. The struggles and contributions of women often go unrecognized, but millions are leading justice movements every day. Photo credit: Justin Tallis/AFP Via Getty Images
