The Women Climate Collective (WCC) has announced the launch of its new cohort aimed at enhancing women’s leadership in climate action. Building on the success of its 2023 program, which saw 16 women climate leaders gain prominence on international platforms, the 2024 initiative will support 20 emerging leaders across India.

The WCC program, supported by Fondation L’Oréal and Purpose Climate Lab, is designed to address the critical role women play in climate action and to tackle the unique challenges they face. The new cohort will engage in diverse areas such as climate justice, nature-based solutions, climate technology, and public engagement, covering regions from the Himalayas to West Bengal.

The 2023 cohort’s achievements include representation at COP28 and accolades like the Earthshot Prize awarded to Nidhi Pant and the Face of India Achievers Award received by Elsie Gabriel. K.G. Sreeja, a member of last year’s cohort, noted that the program’s focus on gender-specific strategies has significantly enhanced her work on community resilience against tidal flooding.

The 2024 cohort will benefit from tailored leadership training, communication workshops, and access to both national and international climate discussions. They will also receive mentorship from prominent climate leaders, including Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director of SHE Changes Climate, and Shloka Nath, CEO of India Climate Collaborative.

Borgoyary expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The WCC programme’s unwavering commitment to fostering women’s leadership in climate action is truly inspiring. The new cohort is composed of exceptional women dedicated to addressing critical climate issues, and I am thrilled to support them. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of WCC’s programs, and I am confident that these emerging women leaders will drive meaningful change and amplify their voices within India’s climate ecosystem.”

As climate impacts intensify in India, the involvement of women leaders in driving sustainable solutions is crucial. The new cohort represents a vital step towards amplifying women’s voices and fostering effective climate action across the country.