While science (itself not a gender-neutral terrain) is important for understanding climate change, and technology may be crucial for solving some of the problems, climate activists worry that overemphasis on science may not fully offer effective climate solutions – intersectional solutions that put women on the agenda. This feminist dialogue will engage three significant South African women climate activists and lobbyists on the relationship between climate justice and social justice as a key negotiating point in confronting contemporary climate change that necessitates social and human sciences input. In talking about climate change, climate action, advocacy, adaption and even loss and damages, this panel aims to interrogate how these are instigated, mitigated, confronted and engaged, through profoundly interrogating social (in)equality – and thus intersectional gender equality for the South.
Thursday, July 21: 3 pm – 4.30 pm (SAST)
Hosted by Dr. Lliane Loots with panellists:
Matshidiso Lencoasa is a policy analyst working as a budget researcher at SECTION27. Growing up eMalahleni, considered one of the most polluted areas in the world, has fostered a perspective that equity and socio-economic rights will never be fully realised if we do not prepare for and address the climate crisis. In her work at SECTION27, she explores the gendered impact of climate change and how the climate crisis currently – and will continue to – exacerbate inequalities in education and health attainment in the country.
Olivia Rumble is a Director of Climate Legal with 10 years’ legal practice experience specialising in environmental law, energy law policy and governance, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), climate finance, carbon markets, and carbon tax. Olivia is admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng and Western Cape) and has an LLM in Environmental Law (University of Cape Town – with distinction). She has acted for governments and regional institutions by pioneering legal reform initiatives in climate change and water law in South Africa and SADC.
Xoli Fuyani is an eco-role Model who guides young people to a safe sustainable green future. She is a Founder of Black Girls Rising, a sustainable organization working on developing resilient girls and communities and also training and mentoring young climate activists. She was born and raised at Gugulethu in Cape Town. After completing her studies, she joined the Mission Antarctica team as they travelled 16 000kms around South Africa, raising environmental awareness in the lead-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.
