We would like to wish all Roehampton Students a Happy Women’s History month! The celebration of women’s history is the perfect opportunity to take a step back and appreciate the role of women throughout history and applaud the tenacity and drive of those individuals that have chosen to dedicate themselves to making the world a better place.  

In line with this dedication is this year’s theme which is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”. In an ever-changing world with the impending threat of climate change and need for renewable solutions, it is time to appreciate the women who have taken on a leadership role in helping protect our resources and those who campaign for a safer greener future. However, sustainability isn’t just about our ecological renewability, it's also about stabilising social, economic and cultural factors. This is becoming increasingly important as we move to a fully globalised world.  

The ability to juggle a variety of cultures and conventions is a task that requires sensitivity and compassion and often is one that is disregarded by the world’s leaders. In many ways women now and throughout history have taken it upon themselves to act as a medium and voice for social change for not only themselves but for everyone to have a sustainable future. In observing this month’s theme, students from all backgrounds can not only educate themselves on the achievements and contributions of women to future sustainability, thus de-stigmatising and encouraging women in a number of careers, but also reintroduce themselves to the amazing innovations and previous biases and divides which have shaped society as we know it today.  

Throughout this month, there will be a variety of events which will allow students the opportunity to learn all about influential women and organisations who champion the need for a sustainable future as well as exciting events for you to meet like-minded individuals! 

If you’re interested in learning more, here are links to further resources for you to explore: 

Articles:

1. Hidden Histories: Eunice Newton Foote, The Woman Who Discovered the Greenhouse Effect
2. Famous women in sustainability – Women’s history month
3. Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment - European Investment Bank
4. Climate fair uses microgrant to grow community knowledge - Wandsworth Council
5. Empowering women for a sustainable future: Integrating gender equality and environmental stewardship

Books:  

1. Fallen forests : emotion, embodiment, and ethics in American women's environmental writing, 1781-1924 by Karen L Kilcup  
2. Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Natalie Isaacs  
3. The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet by Leah Thomas  
4. Women Leading Sustainability, The Feminine Shift by Joanna Sullivan  
5. Ecofeminism: Women, Culture, Nature by Karen J. Warren