SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, Calif., August 11, 2015 – In an effort to bring women’s voices to the forefront of climate change conversations in the lead up to the December 2015 United Nations COP21 climate negotiations and beyond, women from around the world will unite to speak out for justice, gender equality, and bold action on climate change at ‘Women Speak: Climate Justice on the Road to Paris & Beyond’.

 

The event, presented by the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network (WECAN International), will feature presentations and action plans by women leaders joined in solidarity to address the activities and policies that lie at the heart of the climate crisis, explore why women are key to just and effective solutions, and present the diverse array of visions and strategies with which they are working to shape a healthy and equitable world. ‘Women Speak’ will also include a reading and signing ceremony for the Women’s Climate Declaration, available in five languages on the WECAN International webpage.

 

Speakers to date include Mary Robinson, UN Special Envoy on Climate Change and former President of Ireland; Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and long-time human, women, and environmental rights defender; Melina Laboucan-Massismo, Indigenous and environmental activist with Greenpeace Canada and the Indigenous Environmental Network; May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org; Diane Moss, Renewables 100 Policy Institute; Jacqui Patterson, NAACP Environmental & Climate Justice Program; Thilmeeza Hussein, Voice of Women, Maldives and former Deputy Permanent Representative to the Mission of the Maldives to the UN; Neha Misra, Solar Sister; Nina Gualinga, Indigenous leader from Sarayaku, Ecuador; and Osprey Orielle Lake and Sally Ranney, WECAN International.

 

This special event will additionally serve as the hub event for the Global Women's Climate Justice Day of Action, occurring worldwide through decentralized local actions held on this day. While event presenters and allies gather and speak out for change in New York City, women across the globe will be demonstrating actions in their communities to show the strength and diversity of women calling for climate justice. Solutions, stories, policy demands, and statements submitted by worldwide women activists will be presented and honored during the ‘Women Speak’ event. Organizers hope to draw the attention of world leaders who will be gathered across the street from the ‘Women Speak’ event meeting for this year’s United Nations Generally Assembly.

 

“Women’s role as central stakeholders is one of the most important, yet untold stories of climate change. If we are to have a fighting chance at restoring the health of the Earth and our communities, women’s experiences and knowledge must be brought to the forefront,” explained Osprey Orielle Lake, co-Founder and Executive Director of WECAN International, “the September 29 ‘Women Speak’ event in New York City and Global Women’s Climate Justice Day of Action happening worldwide are critical opportunities to call for rights-based solutions to climate change, and to strengthen and uplift a collective women’s voice for climate justice.”

 

‘Women Speak: Climate Justice on the Road to Paris & Beyond’ will be held from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on September 29, 2015 at the United Nations Church Center, 777 1st Avenue, E 44th Street, New York City. This event is free and open to the public, however registration is required.

 

More information and a registration portal can be found by visiting wecaninternational.org/wecan-nyc-september-2015