WOMEN IN SUSTAINABILITY
SHE SHAPES THE FUTURE
U
N Women states that at the current pace of progress, a girl born today will be almost 40 before as many women hold seats in parliaments as men, while UN Environment finds that women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, reporting that 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. Meanwhile, the lending arm of the European Union, the European
The world today often feels like it is moving backwards (or at best, stagnating) towards gender equality. While major corporations, and indeed certain global powers, backtrack on diversity and inclusivity policies, marking, celebrating, and truly understanding the need for International Women’s Day (8 March) is more important than ever.
Investment Bank, writes in an article by Barbara Balke and Thomas Östros, that “The best way to meet climate goals – and boost profits – is to put women in charge.” Its report found that women-led firms have higher environmental, social, and governance scores than other companies, and that businesses with greater representation of women in leadership positions have better track records of adopting environmentally friendly practices.
Caroline Petit, deputy director, United Nations Regional Information Center for Western Europe (UNRIC) “I am proud to work for the United Nations, where we are committed to marching forward on women’s rights and gender equality. While progress has been made, it has been fragile and uneven. With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need all hands-on deck. We can change mindsets and habits. Each one of us can contribute to building a future of rights, equality and empowerment, for ALL women and girls. The entertainment industry demonstrates how creative and empowered women can lead the way.”
Women are inextricably linked with sustainability, whether it is because they are being impacted due to a lack of it or playing a crucial role in spearheading a sustainable future for generations to come. At Products of Change, we are privileged to know and work alongside a great many of such women, so to celebrate International Women’s Day earlier this year, we are spotlighting just a few of them, as well as the fantastic work they have been doing.
Harini Manivannan, managing consultant, environmental impact accounting, South Pole As a managing consultant at South Pole, Harini helps businesses measure their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, set ambitious climate targets, and turn sustainability commitments into real impact. Sustainability isn’t just about risk management, it’s about unlocking future opportunities, says Harini. Companies that embed sustainability at their core won’t just outperform their competitors, they’ll shape the future of business and the world we want to live in. Harini sees sustainability not just as an ethical imperative but as a driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term success. “Sustainability is the key to long-term business success. The companies that lead tomorrow won’t be those that treat it as a checkbox, but those that weave it into their DNA – driving innovation, resilience, and lasting impact. My hope is that one day, sustainability won’t be just a department – it will be how business is done.”
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