Sisters on the Planet

                                                                   From droughts to floods to storms to rising sea levels, women like Sharon Hanshaw from Louisiana, Constance Okollet from Uganda, and Marisa Marcavillaca from Peru have witnessed the devastating effects of climate change in their own lives.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, Oxfam brought Sharon, Constance, and Marisa to Washington, DC, for a two-day summit with nearly 100 of America’s most prominent women leaders. Together, they honored women who are tackling climate change in their communinities--and called on US legislators to help the world’s poorest people adapt to the crisis.

Stand with the Sisters

• Tell your Senators: Don't cut poor people out of the climate bill. Make sure they include support for poor communities fighting for survival.
• Read an interview with summit keynote speaker Majora Carter.
• Find us on Twitter or add your own updates using the hashtag #OxfamSisters.

Because women make up a majority of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens from the effects of climate change.

Women in poor communities and countries are particularly vulnerable: they often depend on rainfall (instead of irrigation) to water their crops; they are typically responsible for providing their household‘s water, food, and fuel supply; and they are less likely to have the education, opportunities, and resources they need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. In addition, women‘s traditional role as caretakers means they have little time for and little access to community discussions, so their perspectives and needs are often not heard.

At the same time, many women in both rich and poor countries are powerful in their roles as consumers and citizens. Many are aware of the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. And when women create networks and organizations, they can be a powerful force for social and political change.  

Oxfam’s Sisters on the Planet initiative seeks to harness the power of women, both in the US and abroad, to fight back against climate change. We’re calling on our leaders to go beyond cutting greenhouse gas emissions by providing financial assistance so that the most vulnerable communities can adapt. Learn more about our campaign.

Watch the videos

Meet some of the Sisters and learn how they're leading the fight against climate change in their communities.

• Sahena's story
• Sharon's story
• Muriel's story
• Martina's story
• Ursula's story

Some of America's most prominent women leaders are joining with Oxfam to speak out about women and climate change. Meet a few of them below, or see a list of all 100-plus Sisters on the Planet Ambassadors.

Linda Adams, Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Appointed in May 2006, Adams is the first woman to serve as head of the California EPA. Prior to her appointment, Adams was Director of the California Department of Water Resources. Her notable accomplishments include the "Clean Cars/Clean Air" legislation, earning her the "Environmental Hero Award" from the California League of Conservation Voters. In 2009, Adams received Oxfam’s Sisters on the Planet Climate Leaders Award.

Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Ecumenical Officer, Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc.

Rev. Girton-Mitchell is the Associate General Secretary for Justice and Advocacy for the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). She helps provide an active voice for social justice on behalf of the NCC's 36 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American, and Living Peace member faith groups, which include over 45 million Americans. Rev. Girton-Mitchell is a life member of the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, and the Washington Urban League. She also holds membership in the National Bar Association, Washington Bar Association, and the Women's Bar Association.  

Hilary Krane, General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Levi Strauss &Co.

Krane has been instrumental in Levi Strauss & Co.’s call for responsible climate policy—not only because it is socially responsible, she says, but “From a business perspective, international investments in climate adaptation strategies and services, as well as clean technologies, will be a major driver of the marketplace toward developing innovative solutions… We believe that women and women’s organizations must have the space to participate actively, visibly, as catalysts, and as leaders.”  In 2009, Krane received Oxfam’s Sisters on the Planet Climate Leaders Award.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, Wisconsin

Called "Wisconsin's green leader" by the Capital Times, Lt. Governor Lawton recognizes her state’s potential to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change. Her Green Economy Agenda offers incentives for energy efficiency and expands opportunities for sustainable businesses.  She works with local governments to shape their response to global climate change and develop strategies that will strengthen regional economies. She has also led a national effort to support an ambitious Energy Independence and Global Climate Change Resolution.

Meet more Sisters on the Planet ambassadors.

Now it's time for you to become a Sister (or a brother). So talk to people about Sisters, get them to do the same, and you'll line up alongside hundreds of women leaders in the growing ranks of people taking on climate change.

• Sign the Sisters pledge (and join Oxfam's online community). Sign a pledge asking the US to help poor people adapt to the inevitable changes to their environment. You will automatically be added to our online community, and you'll receive periodic updates from Oxfam about climate change and other urgent issues.
• Find a Sisters event in your community.
• Order a free DVD. Host your own screening of the Sisters short films to help spread the word. 
• Download a PDF of the Sisters on the Planet Action Guide.
• Meet the Sisters on the Planet Ambassadors. Learn more about the American women leaders who are speaking out about women and climate change. 
• Learn more. Climate change is hitting the world's poorest people first and worst, and it is women who are often at the greatest risk. 
• Tell your story. Email us at climatechange@oxfamamerica.org and tell us what you're doing to spread the word in your community.
  

Order your free "Sisters on the Planet" DVD and Action Guide

Please note that Oxfam America is no longer able to mail orders outside the US.