“For ALL women and girls. Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
At The Iris Project, we are continually in awe of the incredible people addressing the world’s most pressing issues with their communities and planet at the centre of their work. This year’s United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) theme calls for lasting change that addresses access to rights, equality and empowerment for ALL women. We turned to the inspiring young women across The Iris Project community – those who work toward these goals every single day – to share their insights and experiences.
Empowering the next generation
Central to this year’s IWD mission is empowering the next generation. The path to empowerment can take so many different forms. We asked The Iris Project grantees and advisors what makes them feel empowered in their work, and their responses speak to the many ways empowerment takes shape for young project leaders.
“Mentorship and networking have been key in empowering me in the climate/sustainability sector. Having role models and supportive communities has boosted my confidence and helped me navigate challenges.” ~ Nusra Juriah, Seed Prize Winner 2023
“Work in an all-women team where admiration, respect, and mutual support are at the core of our work. We foster empathy and care, ensuring that each of us has the tools we need to succeed. There is a deep understanding that our diverse perspectives and experiences make us stronger and more effective, making us feel like the sky is the limit.” ~ Alicia Amancio, Iris Project Advisor
“Being able to connect and meet other women who work for different causes and struggles. Being able to share our experiences from our different areas of influence and feeling admired by each other.” ~ Jabel Gabriela Gómez Esquit, Seed Prize Winner 2024
Change needed to further empower women
These amazing women highlight the role community, connection and building support networks can have for women. Yet, there is still a lot of work to be done in this space.
“Leadership opportunities also need to expand. While women often play critical roles in conservation efforts at the grassroots level, they remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. Encouraging and supporting women to take on leadership roles in NGOs, government, and international organizations would lead to more inclusive and effective environmental solutions” ~ Sumarni Laman, Iris Project Advisor
“We need to dig deeper and acknowledge how inequality disproportionately affects women of color, Indigenous women, and women with disabilities. Creating more spaces for them to share their perspectives and increasing access to opportunities is essential for achieving real climate justice- or any sustainable development goal. We always say that there is no climate justice without racial justice, and since climate change disproportionately impacts Black and Indigenous communities, this reality must be reflected in our efforts.” ~ Alicia Amancio, Iris Project Advisor
Supporting communities to thrive
For communities and the planet to thrive, everyone must feel empowered, safe, and connected. One critical step toward this is redistributing wealth. All too often, money circulates between big organisations without reaching the grassroots work driving real change on the ground. Less than 1% of institutional funding is going to youth-led climate justice initiatives.
At The Iris Project, we see each year how trust-based and flexible funding enables both projects and people to thrive. While no model is perfect, ours is constantly learning, adapting and responding to the needs of its community.
What inspires our community
In moments like these, hope is essential. So we asked what inspires you to keep going?
“Seeing how this initiative contributes to environmental conservation while creating economic opportunities gives me a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that my work is making a real impact in sustainability keeps me motivated to push forward and grow the project further” ~ Nusra Juriah, Seed Prize Winner 2023
“Working in this field has taught me that challenges are inevitable. There will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and resistance, but if you are deeply connected to your purpose, you will find the resilience to keep going.” ~ Sumarni Laman, Iris Project Advisor
“Without a doubt, what inspires me most right now is looking around and seeing so many incredible women driving change. Most of my colleagues and the founders and leaders I know in the youth climate movement are women. They are kind, strong, caring, and deeply committed, not only to getting things done but also to questioning how things are done” ~ Alicia Amancio, Iris Project Advisor
“We need as many of us as possible to keep pushing for what is right, for our future and for the generations to come. When you feel powerless or silenced, remember that even the smallest actions drive change. Trust your voice, trust your impact, and step into every space with confidence — because you belong in this movement.” ~ Alicia Amancio, Iris Project Advisor
“Right now, what gives me the most hope is seeing so many women, despite all the challenges they face, continue to stand up for their ecosystems, their communities, and their family future. I see this resilience in the women I work with in Kalimantan—those who plant trees in degraded lands, restore mangroves to protect coastal villages, and pass down traditional knowledge that holds the key to sustainable living. Even when resources are scarce, policies are unsupportive, or climate disasters threaten their homes, they keep going. They don’t wait for permission to lead, they lead because they must.” ~ Sumarni Laman, Iris Project Advisor
A strong thread of collective strength runs through these reflections, celebrating the young women who are not only leading the charge but also reshaping how change happens – through care, collaboration, and commitment. Their stories are a testament to the fact that every action matters. Even when the project is challenging, trusting in one’s voice and stepping forward with confidence is essential because real change happens when more of us push for a better future together.
Yet, despite their leadership, young women remain significantly underfunded and underrepresented in decision-making spaces. The women featured in this blog exemplify the kind of leadership that drives lasting impact – not only through their individual efforts but through the partnerships they build. Across the projects we support, we see young women leading with vision, often working alongside young men as their co-leads, forming strong, inclusive collaborations that bring communities together. Their work proves that when young women are resourced and supported, they don’t just create change – they inspire movements that shape a better world.
Written by Frances Storey
