As we mark International Women's Day 2023 (IWD), and celebrate Women's History Month throughout March, we spoke with Climate Impact Partners' majority female leadership team (55%) on the importance of this month, why we need women in the climate space, how to support women into senior positions, and the role of male allies in achieving gender equity.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Find out what this day means to different members of our leadership team.
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
Why are women still underrepresented in executive teams?
In 2022, the number of female CEOs running Fortune Global 500 companies was just 4.8% - a record high. Hear views from our leadership team on how we can change this and ensure more women are reaching senior leadership roles.
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
What do you think men can do to help achieve gender equality?
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
How are Climate Impact Partners' projects benefitting women?
The link between gender equality and climate is often overlooked as we consider solutions to the climate challenge we face. There is not one winning solution, and climate action must always be viewed as a toolkit, but one solution with direct gender benefits, alongside the climate, is channelling finance to fund carbon reduction projects. Find out more below.
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
Read more about the impact of carbon financed projects on women and girls globally in Rachael's article exploring why clean cookstoves are a climate justice solution.
What is the best piece of advice you've received in your career?
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
Why do women have such an important role to play in tackling the climate crisis?
Despite women being disproportionately impacted by climate change, they do not currently have access to the same platforms and representation as men when it comes to decisions on how we solve it. Read below to find out why we need to hear women's voices and ideas.
"March 8th, though just 0.3% of the year, gives us a dedicated time to pause and talk about what we will do to change in order to gain equality faster. The world is in a crisis now in multiple areas, from climate change to wars, and we need ALL people of ALL genders to have the ability to engage, lead, and make an impact." Sheri Hickok, CEO
"As a society, we are failing to consistently include women in an equitable way and if we continue to fail in promoting that voice and providing a platform for women to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, e.g. climate change, we will not find optimized, fully represented solutions. International Women's Day serves as a sharp reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve equality and should be an opportunity to refocus and find an inclusive way forward." Eric Bennett, Chief Commercial Officer
"In some places women don't have a voice, so a day like International Women's Day is a chance for those who are in a position to do so to advocate for these women, put forward the case for opportunities and messages around the importance and power of equity, highlighting why it's not just the right thing to do but also the best." Rachael Nutter, Global Director, Project Development
