Event: Addressing The Gender Dimension of Vulnerability: An Adaptation Framework that Works for Everyone

Friday, November 18th, 2011

[ November 30, 2010 6:30 pm to November 30, 2011 8:00 pm. ] CARE International and the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) are partnering on a side event at UNFCCC COP-17 on November 30, 2011 from 6:30-8pm in the Hex River Room. This event will use an interactive discussion format to explore the complexities of vulnerability from a gender perspective and make recommendations to input into an adaptation framework that works for everyone.

Posted in Events, News, WEDO at COP17 |

Remembering Wangari- In Her Own Words

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

“The road is long and the battles many… For me it is a journey and I continue to pursue it wherever fate leads me…I learned to rise from the ashes of disappointment and look to the road yet ahead.” – Wangari Maathai

After the passing of our dear friend and mentor, Wangari Maathai, WEDO has spent the past two days reflecting on our fortunate experiences with this incredible woman. In doing so we have un-earthed a piece written by Wangari following the passing of WEDO co-founder Bella Abzug. In it Wangari shares her story, the life of a woman who overcame any obstacle she encountered with a boundless sense of hope. Her strength led her to accomplish unparalleled success in the work of human and women’s rights, not only in her home country of Kenya but around the world. In the attached article from our 1998 newsletter, Wangari explains the hardships endured throughout her journey and how she managed to rise above the corruption and politics, which so fervently worked to silence her voice.

Posted in WEDO History, Women's Leadership |

WEDO speaks at the UN Human Rights Council on Women and the Right to Water

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

On Monday, September 26th, WEDO delivered a statement at the 18th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, High Level Panel on “Women and the Right to Water”. WEDO Board Member, Katherine McDonald, sat on a panel alongside colleagues from ISIS International, MADRE, Swiss Red Cross and WECF (Women in Europe for a Common Future). The panel began with a from statement of UN Special Rapporteur Catarina de Albuquerque, author of “Climate Change and the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation“.

In her statement on behalf of WEDO, Ms. McDonald stated, “Extreme degradation of ecosystems, unmitigated climate change, and over-consumption…

Tags: Climate Change, Human Rights, Water
Posted in Civil Society Participation, Library, News, Water |

Honoring a Visionary Leader: WEDO Remembers Wangari Maathai

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Today, WEDO mourns the loss but celebrates the life of our great friend, visionary, sister and ally, Professor Wangari Maathai, who passed away last night in Nairobi at the age of 71.

“WEDO is greatly saddened by the passing away of Wangari Maathai, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. We’ve known her as a co-founder of WEDO, but also as a friend and a teacher to all those who came to WEDO after her. Her actions and courage will live on in all of our hearts to be passed on to future generations who will carry on her work.” – Monique Essed Fernandes, Chair, WEDO Board of Directors

Below, please click to view a slideshow of some of the photos we have of Wangari in our WEDO library. The enduring theme in almost every photo: solidarity, activism, sisterhood, and laughter.

Posted in News, WEDO History, Women's Leadership | 1 Comment »

Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai Passes Away-Statement from Family and Greenbelt Movement

Monday, September 26th, 2011

It is with great sadness that the family of Professor Wangari Maathai announces her passing away on 26th September, 2011, at the Nairobi Hospital, after a prolonged and bravely borne struggle with cancer. Her loved ones were with her at the time.

Professor Maathai’s departure is untimely and a very great loss to all who knew her – as a mother, relative, co-worker, colleague, role model, and heroine; or who admired her determination to make the world a more peaceful, healthier, and better place .

Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai started the Green Belt Movement in 1977, working with women to improve their livelihoods by increasing their access to resources like firewood for cooking and clean water. She became a great advocate for better management of natural resources and for sustainability, equity, and justice. A synopsis of her life and work can be read here.

Posted in Forestry, News, Women's Leadership |