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On this International Women's Day and during Women's History Month, the Sierra Club honors the achievements of women past and present. It's a moment to celebrate our history, raise awareness about our current struggles, and mobilize for full equality for women and justice for all.
In the last year alone, we have witnessed:
The historic election of Kamala Harris as the first woman, African American, and Asian American as vice president of the United States.
Women like Stacey Abrams leading efforts to defend our democracy at the polls, resulting in a record number of women and Black women being elected to Congress.
Women leading the efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers in frontline occupations like nursing and caregiving.
Women playing a pivotal role in the fight for racial justice, demanding accountability for the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and others at the hands of police.
The Sierra Club's Gender Equity and Environment program continues to champion women's voices in environmental and climate spaces. In the last year we:
Completed the second annual US Accelerator for Grassroots Women Environmental Leaders with Women's Earth Alliance. This year's accelerator focused on women’s leadership in their communities amid the triple crises of COVID-19, climate change, and racial injustice.
Partnered with Radium Girls executive producer Lily Tomlin and filmmaker Lydia Dean Pilcher to bring attention to the true story of women in the 1920s who exposed a corporate cover-up and made a lasting impact on workplace health and safety.
Advocated for solutions to the climate crisis that also advance women's equality. The Feminist Green New Deal, for instance, is reflected in climate policies like the THRIVE Agenda. We hope these principles will be adopted in President Biden's forthcoming recovery plan.
This last year was a consequential one for me, as I know it was for many of you. As a new mother raising an infant during these challenging times, I gained strength and wisdom from our ancestors' stories and inspiration from the present-day women who are making their mark in this pivotal moment in history.
Check out our social media toolkit to celebrate Women's History Month, raise awareness about issues of women's equality, and recognize the women leaders who are making history today.
Happy International Women's Day and Women's History Month!