What does intersectionality mean for climate justice?
Intersectionality is about the interconnectedness of nature and the nature of social categorization. Social and climate justice are interlinked, it cannot be achieved without considering sexism, clanism, patriarchy, and other power imbalances. Integrating the principle of intersectionality into climate justice efforts that are holistic is crucial to its success.
“When we talk about social and climate justice we are not just talking about the environment or climate change. We are actually talking about human beings as well.”
How to implement intersectionality into programming?
We must recognize voices and localize everything we do to (marginalized) communities. We, as practitioners, need to localize the language we use and recognize the voices of marginalized communities. We must ensure that direct attention is given to structural inequalities and where institutionalized addressed accordingly.
Looking for locally-led solutions, engaging volunteers and national volunteers to work. Also ensuring participation in dialogue and risk assessments for youth. What is important to them? Ensure a platform or forum for the most vulnerable, marginalized groups to share these concerns. Working together with these primary actors, which we do not call beneficiaries by the way, is crucial.
Including the community’s voices and capitalizing on their indigenous knowledge. Learn how indigenous communities have been adapting to circumstances like drought, flooding, and changing weather patterns. What can we learn from this?
We must work together collectively, so also with men and youth to foster the change we wish to see. Wanna work on gender inequality? Do not forget to include men here!
So long story short: educating communities on relevant topics, valuing indigenous knowledge and translating that into practices based on this knowledge. Whilst also using modern and innovative approaches. Do not forget to include men when working on gender relations.
“The climate issue is so complex, if you want to do it well, you have to understand the context.”