A free forum next week will unite experts and local voices to discuss how inclusive leadership can create effective solutions to the climate crisis. Co-hosted by Geelong Sustainability, Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), and Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West (WHWBSW), the event will be held on Thursday, September 18, at the Geelong Library starting at 5:30 PM.
Victoria McKenzie-McHarg, CEO of WELA, will kick off the event with a keynote speech. She will join a panel of local leaders from health, environment, climate, and community sectors. The discussion will focus on how gender influences both experiences of the climate crisis and the strategies we need to address it.
According to McKenzie-McHarg, “Women and gender-diverse individuals are leading effective, community-based responses to climate challenges.” This forum aims to highlight that leadership and the fact that many solutions exist within our communities.
Panelists include Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corinna Eccles, Liz Bonner from Cloverdale Community Centre, WHWBSW’s Julie Spec, and Melesa Osborne from Gender and Disaster Australia. They will explore how climate change affects women and gender-diverse people in particular, often worsening existing inequalities. Jodie Hill, CEO of WHWBSW, emphasized the need to center these voices: “Their leadership is crucial for building resilience and developing real solutions.”
Jane Spence, CEO of Geelong Sustainability, will serve as the event’s MC. She noted, “Gender significantly impacts both our vulnerability to climate change and our responses to it. By examining these intersections, we can formulate climate solutions that are truly inclusive.”
Recent studies reveal that women and marginalized groups often bear the brunt of climate impacts, with a 2022 UN report showing that women make up 60% of those displaced by climate events. Understanding these unique challenges is important as we work toward more equitable climate action.
This forum is not just about sharing insights—it’s designed to foster discussions, exchange ideas, and build connections for climate justice. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and share thoughts on how to address the climate crisis more fairly.
While the event is free, registration is required. For more details, visit Humanitix.
