The Brazilian Amazon faces widespread illegal encroachment, devastating ancient trees for export and exploiting rare resources. This critical issue impacts us all.

Indigenous forest

The Brazilian Amazon faces widespread illegal encroachment, devastating ancient trees for export and exploiting rare resources. This critical issue impacts us all.

Indigenous forest guardians Marçal Guajajara and Puyr Tembé tirelessly defend their home from deforestation. Their struggle contrasts with an illegal logger, desperate for survival, and a landowner striving to preserve his property's ecosystem, yet ignored by authorities.

These diverse perspectives highlight the global economic links connecting Amazonian goods to consumers worldwide.

Indigenous women are leading global efforts to uphold Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in interactions with financial institutions and corporations. These

Indigenous women are leading global efforts to uphold Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in interactions with financial institutions and corporations. These institutions often perpetuate human and Indigenous rights violations, particularly in extractive industries. A recent event highlighted the need for these entities to implement FPIC, Indigenous rights, and due diligence, while investing in climate justice solutions centered on Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Given the climate crisis, respecting Indigenous knowledge, ways of life, and FPIC—including the right to say “no” to extraction—is paramount, as 80% of Earth's biodiversity remains on Indigenous lands. This discussion took place at a formal side-event of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 2022, featuring Indigenous women leaders and global advocates like Sônia Guajajara and Casey Camp-Horinek.

Global women and feminist leaders are calling for urgent climate justice and action for future generations. WECAN marks International Women's Day by releasing a video showcasing women and

Global women and feminist leaders are calling for urgent climate justice and action for future generations. WECAN marks International Women's Day by releasing a video showcasing women and gender-diverse leaders' solutions.

Amidst escalating climate crisis and social inequities, these leaders demand bold systems change and transformational leadership. They champion solutions for food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and a Just Transition, challenging governments and corporations to end extractive practices and declare a climate emergency. Their fight for Mother Earth is unwavering.

The Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This virtual forum united over 125

The Women’s Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted the Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This virtual forum united over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries. Through 25 panels, participants shared diverse strategies for a healthy and just world.

A significant session, "Women for Forests: Protection & Reforestation: Part 2," took place on June 25. It featured prominent women leaders and experts from various global organizations, discussing critical forest protection and reforestation initiatives. The assembly offered interpretation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

On December 5, WECAN hosted a UN Side Event at COP28, titled "Women Implementing Climate Justice Solutions to Mitigate and Adapt to the Climate Crisis." Grassroots, Indigenous, and frontline

On December 5, WECAN hosted a UN Side Event at COP28, titled "Women Implementing Climate Justice Solutions to Mitigate and Adapt to the Climate Crisis." Grassroots, Indigenous, and frontline women, along with global organization representatives, presented diverse climate justice strategies, including forest protection, Indigenous rights, agro-ecology, and a Just Transition.

The event featured powerful testimonies from diverse women leaders. A special appearance by Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's Minister of Indigenous Peoples, underscored the vital role of women's leadership globally. WECAN is honored to continue its long-standing collaboration with Minister Guajajara.

At a COP27 UN Side Event, "Women for Climate Justice" convened grassroots, frontline, and Indigenous women leaders with international climate justice organizations. They addressed the root causes

At a COP27 UN Side Event, "Women for Climate Justice" convened grassroots, frontline, and Indigenous women leaders with international climate justice organizations. They addressed the root causes of interlocking crises, advocating for solutions rooted in a climate justice framework.

Discussions highlighted crucial areas like forest and biodiversity protection, Indigenous rights, agro-ecology, and fossil fuel resistance. Speakers emphasized safeguarding women land defenders and promoting community-led solutions, showcasing diverse global leadership in climate action.

An Escazú COP1 Side Event brought together women policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and human rights defenders to address the critical challenges faced by women land defenders protecting their

An Escazú COP1 Side Event brought together women policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and human rights defenders to address the critical challenges faced by women land defenders protecting their communities from extractive industries. Discussions highlighted the implications and opportunities presented by the Escazú Agreement, a historic multilateral treaty focused on safeguarding the rights and participation of land defenders.

Prominent figures, including Indigenous leaders from Ecuador and Brazil, along with environmental advocates, shared their insights. The event underscored the agreement's vital role in empowering these women and ensuring their crucial work in defending territories and human rights is recognized and supported.

On November 4, 2021, Indigenous women leaders united at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, to issue an urgent call to action for the Amazon in crisis. Organized by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action

On November 4, 2021, Indigenous women leaders united at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, to issue an urgent call to action for the Amazon in crisis. Organized by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International, they advocated for Indigenous rights and the protection of forests, water, communities, and the global climate.

Speakers highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change, extractive industries, and agri-business in the Amazon. They underscored the critical importance of Indigenous rights as a vital climate solution.

Indigenous women from the Amazon, leading global and local movements, issued urgent calls to action at a COP27 press conference. They highlighted ongoing efforts to protect their communities and

Indigenous women from the Amazon, leading global and local movements, issued urgent calls to action at a COP27 press conference. They highlighted ongoing efforts to protect their communities and territories from governments and corporations violating Indigenous and human rights through harmful extractive projects.

Speakers, including Sônia Bone Guajajara (Federal Deputy of Brazil) and Patricia Gualinga (Spokeswoman for Mujeres Amazónicas Defensoras de la Selva), demanded stronger Indigenous rights, forest and water protection, and global climate action.

Watch and share the WECAN Press Conference from COP26 in Glasgow, titled "Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change." This vital discussion highlights the

Watch and share the WECAN Press Conference from COP26 in Glasgow, titled "Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change." This vital discussion highlights the critical role of women in addressing climate change.

The conference featured powerful voices from global climate justice leaders. Speakers included Sostine Namanya (Gender & Food Security Officer, NAPE, Uganda), Sonia Guajajara (Executive Coordinator, APIB, Brazilian Amazon), Casey Camp-Horinek (Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member, USA), and Osprey Orielle Lake (Executive Director, WECAN International, USA).