How YOU can Engage for a Common Future!

In a world where debates focus on the fight for gender equality and also centre around campaigns for a healthier planet for all, it is hard sometimes to find a clear voice amongst all the hashtags and demonstrations we see everyday.

I first heard about Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) from a close friend here in Munich, called Jane. She volunteers for them and I wanted to learn more about the work she has been up to. We had a long chat about activism today, campaigning in a modern world and how can one person can make a difference in this messy world of politics and twitter storms. 

Jane first told me that WECF focus on gender equality with an Eco-Feminist edge – the only type of this organisation here in Munich. WECF operate in five European countries with a headquarters in the Netherlands, and are a nonprofit dedicated to a gender-just and healthy planet for all. They are connected to 150 women’s and civil society organisations and are successfully implementing projects in over 50 countries.

WECF work closely with larger organisations such as the European Commission to consult and conduct research on women specific environmental issues, such as the connection between plastics and women’s health. Jane spoke about the three key areas that WECF focus on, that include: sustainable development, climate action and a toxic free healthy environment – and she has been involved all the key areas during her time volunteering there. 

Jane said an area of work she really found interesting was creating the Eco-Feminist Scorecard for the upcoming elections in Germany. Jane helped to research each political party in Germany, and used her translation skills too – both she said were extremely fun and helpful towards her studies. WECF created a help sheet for people to find out more information about political parties in Germany, and their policies towards women and the environment.

She went on to say, the volunteering experience broadened her awareness and opinions on all feminist issues especially around politics. Jane is a law student, and said since her volunteering opportunity at WECF she feels inspired to pursue a future in legal or consultancy work with feminist ideas at the core.

Many people today may feel that they can’t make a meaningful change, and any work they do “is just a drop in an ocean” – but small projects are always important when faced with adversity. Jane has felt this struggle, but says that doing something is always better than nothing. During her time at WECF, I asked her what difference does she feel like she has made. Jane responded stating that she has brought possibly new insights and fresh ideas into WECF and has helped the campaign reach out to new groups back in the UK and Ireland, and also helped to make the Eco-Feminist Scorecard accessible to normal voters.

Jane told me that since her time at university she has broadened her mind around politics and self educated herself on these topics, I asked her for three tips for people who want to branch out into activism. She said that being active on social media can help you learn more about political, environmental and gender issues, also to not be overwhelmed by the amount of information but take your take your time to learn what you can about topics that interest you. Finally Jane said that podcasts are a great way to learn about new topics, but to always be aware of your privilege too.

I asked Jane how people could get involved in activism here during them time in Munich, and she highly recommends WECF as an organisation to get involved in. Also she says that if anyone has any free time to dedicate some small part of their day to join any organisation, political, youth groups or anything where you can contribute your voice – it is good to spend your year abroad to not only expand your horizons with new universities but to also broaden your mind to new ideas as well.

If you fancy finding out more about WECF, check out there website here: https://www.wecf.org/