I am Generation Equality: Devishi Jha, youth climate activist
Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.Date:
I am Generation Equality because…
Climate change is affecting all communities, and especially women and girls in communities.
Three ways you can become a climate activist today:
- Get involved in local actions, like rebuilding after natural disasters within your community
- Look into national and international climate organizations, like Zero Hour, and recommend them to others
- Tell your friends and family about your climate action story, and why you care about climate change
Gender inequalities are further exaggerated by climate change. Heat waves, burning forests, and natural disasters disproportionately affect women, adding to the burdens of inequality and discrimination that women already shoulder.
I remember seeing climate change intensify the monsoons, heatwaves and drought in India, where I was born. I realized that I needed to speak out and advocate for marginalized communities who are most affected by the climate crisis, because it impacts people of different means and identities (such as) race, gender, ethnicity and sexuality, differently. I joined Zero Hour — an international youth-led climate organization — during my freshman year of high school.
I speak up for climate action because I want a secure future for my generation and the generations after me.
Young changemakers should lead the way
Young people are the future; we represent all backgrounds, cultures, genders, races.
“I want a secure future for my generation and the generations after me.”
Youth advocates are extremely conscious and are paving the way for future action in sustainability and climate justice, so it is imperative that we collectively listen to those voices.
I want to assure any young person that they have the voice, power, and drive to make a difference.
They can start by looking into finding local or national organizations that work on the causes they are interested in.
Driving change every day
There are so many global challenges that we face that require time and energy to pursue and solve, but climate action and gender equality are two very important issues to focus this year and beyond.
Everyone can advocate for equal pay, and exercise their political power to work towards gender equality!
Being a climate and gender activist can be as simple as talking to your parents about the causes that you believe in. It can also be as large as founding your own organization. [I believe that] everyone should be a gender equality and climate activist, share and educate others about the causes that they are most passionate about.
Devishi Jha, is an 18-year-old climate activist who was born in India and now lives in the United States. She is the Director of Partnerships at Zero Hour, an international youth-led climate justice organization, and serves on the National Council at UNICEF USA.
