The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” recognizing the contributions of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all. We are proud to introduce four #ISKLAlumni who are working towards this goal in various ways.
Elena Ortiz (17)
recently shared a policy brief she co-authored with her @worldbank colleagues that summarizes research findings and derives gender-focused policy recommendations for reducing the incidence of poverty within displaced and host communities. Research from the Gender Dimensions of Forced Displacement program reveals how women are
disproportionately affected by forced displacement. Climate change is an increasing driver of forced displacement, accounting for about 75 percent of new internal displacements in 2020. Elena goes on to say, “Given the expanding threat of climate change and the compelling evidence pointing to its gendered impacts, policymakers need to listen to and amplify the voices of women, especially those living in coastal and rural areas who are most vulnerable.”
Clementine Schillings (11)
is a Senior Project Researcher and Administrator at the Fordham University Law School in their social justice center. At the center, her main focus is on their immigration work, which before the pandemic included site visits to the U.S. Mexico border to help migrants prepare for their asylum claims. Clementine points out that “Immigration is hugely affected by climate change. We will continue to see an increase of migrants as the climate continues to alter. My work in immigration is to mitigate the effects on migrants fleeing natural disasters or climate driven conflicts.” She goes on to highlight “What is interesting, is that I work mostly with women. They are leading the charge, for the most part, in finding innovative ways to help protect vulnerable populations.”
Hannah Rose(’17)
spends her days working for the Women’s Justice and Freedom Initiative, which advocates for the safety, wellbeing, and release of incarcerated women and girls in the United States. Sustainability is only achievable if marginalized communities like this are given a voice. More prone to poverty and displacement, the families of incarcerated women will be more significantly impacted by the effects of climate change than others. When asked what it means for women and girls to live in a sustainable world, Hannah replied, “It means a world where women and girls know their futures are protected, ensured, and fruitful.”
Camila Guzman(’17)
is an Outreach Coordinator for Zero Waste Schools, a program of the non-profit @growNYC. GrowNYC runs many programs with the goal of making the city more sustainable. Zero Waste Schools (ZWS) is one of those programs. As an Outreach Coordinator, Camila works with schools across all five boroughs and helps them strengthen their recycling and composting efforts. She works with multiple schools at a time and helps make a connection between waste management, sustainability, community and environmental & social issues. On this year’s #IWD2022 theme, Camila has this to say: “True sustainability can’t be attained without dismantling all systems of oppression. Sustainability is composed of three pillars; environment, equity (also referred to as social) and the economy. To achieve sustainable development, we must understand how these pillars are connected, and actively work at their intersection.”
It is our privilege to recognize and celebrate this exciting and inspiring group of young women working toward a sustainable future for all. Read more about Elena, Clementine, Hannah, and Camila, and their work in the upcoming Alumni Newsletter.
#isklalumni #internationalwomensday #isklproud #sustainability #womenandgirls #SDGs
