March 9, 2023 by Priya Singh, Content Writer 4 Minute Read
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of women across the world. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on women who are making a significant impact on the environment and promoting sustainability. Here are some exceptional women from around the world who are dedicated to creating a greener and cleaner planet:
Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment
Sunita Narain is a prominent Indian environmentalist, political activist, and director general of the Centre for Science and Environment. She is a leading advocate of sustainable development and has received global recognition for her work, including being named on Time Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in 2016. Narain’s contributions to the fight against climate change have been highlighted in the documentary Before The Flood, where she discussed the impact of climate change on India’s monsoon and its impact on farmers.
Dr. Vandana Shiva, Environmental Activist and Physicist
She has been a leading voice in promoting organic farming and seed saving. In 1991, she founded Navdanya, a research institute that aims to protect the diversity and integrity of native seeds while also promoting fair trade practices. Her work has been critical in raising awareness about the harmful effects of industrial agriculture and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. She is also based in India.
Suparna Ganguly
She is a prominent animal rights activist in India who co-founded Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) and the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC). She works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, particularly elephants who are often illegally trafficked and held captive for entertainment purposes. In 2016, she was awarded the highest award for women in India, the Nari Shakti Puraskar, for her inspiring work. Ganguly and the WRRC also successfully petitioned India’s Supreme Court to rule that keeping elephants captive was illegal, and she was a vocal advocate for animal rights over tradition.
Wangari Maathai Founder, the Green Belt Movement,
The movement has planted millions of trees in Kenya and empowered women in rural areas to protect the environment. She worked tirelessly for both land conservation and women’s rights. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her approach to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Environmental Activist
She has been a leading voice in animal welfare and conservation efforts. Her work has been critical in promoting sustainable living practices and protecting biodiversity. Her unconventional approach to her research transformed relationships between humans and animals.
Greta Thunberg, Climate activist
She has been a leading voice in the fight against climate change. Her work has inspired millions of people across the world to take action to protect the environment. She has addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum, United Nations Climate Conference and at the US House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
Isatou Ceesay, founder, Women’s Initiative Gambia
She has been working to promote environmental sustainability and empower women in rural areas to protect the environment. She is known as the “Queen of Recycling,” and her work has been critical in promoting waste reduction and proper waste management practices. She founded a project that creates plastic yarn and forms bags out of the upcycled waste. Not only has her project dramatically reduced the amount of waste in her village, but it is also employing hundreds of West African women and providing them with monthly revenue.
Zuzana Čaputová, President of Slovakia
She has been a leading voice in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection policies. Her work has been critical in creating awareness about the harmful effects of air pollution and promoting sustainable transport and energy practices.
These women are just a few examples of the exceptional work being done by women around the world to create a greener and cleaner planet. Their dedication and commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability is an inspiration to us all, and their work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the planet for generations to come.
