women in sustainability celebrate green transitions

A jubilant gathering at Sparks brought three social impact organisations together to celebrate Bristol’s women-led movement for positive change.

The event was hosted by the Global Goals Centre, the driving force behind the Sparks alternative retail space, and brought together members of the global Women in Sustainability network which began life in Bristol nine years ago.

It partnered with Catalyse Change, the empowerment programme for young changemakers, founded by Traci Lewis who launched her book ‘Your Green Career’ at the packed-out event on Thursday, September 21.

The event kicked off with an African dancing ice breaker.

The ‘handbook to inspire a new generation of Gretas’ is designed to help young people find purpose-led work, with practical tips and exercises to improve confidence and resilience.

It is based on lessons learnt from Catalyse Change CIC. The social enterprise that started in Bristol in 2016 has now worked with thousands of young women and non-binary changemakers to ignite their skills and ambition, with transformational results.

The book topped the Amazon bestseller list one day after release.

Explaining why she wrote the book, Traci said: “We’re in a climate emergency. We need people inspired, equipped and empowered to make a difference.”

Interest in green careers is growing, with the number of green jobs globally increasing by eight per cent annually in the past five years according to the Global Green Skills report 2022. The World Economic Forum predicts the global green economy will create more than 10.1m new jobs by 2030.

Traci Lewis, Catalyse Change founder, launched her handbook to inspire young people considering green careers at the event.

The evening served to celebrate the women-led networks involved, highlighting the benefits of a supportive community, the focus on inclusivity and the opportunity to learn from others.

Sussy Wanjala, a sustainability consultant and Catalyse Change board member, described the barriers she had experienced trying to access the sustainability sector, until she found these networks.

“When I messaged female people in the industry, I noticed I wasn’t just ‘young’ or ‘black’ anymore – I was simply a person in a new city looking for a job,” she said.

Sara Telahoun, a sustainability consultant, board member and mentor on the programme, highlighted the difference it makes to young women and marginalised people, saying:

“I honestly think being part of Catalyse Change has changed my life.”

The event was buzzing with women keen to meet, network and learn from each other.

Speaking on the origins of the Women in Sustainability network, founder Rhian Sherrington referred to difficulties she had experienced in male-dominated workplaces and explained:

“Our focus is on creating a space of belonging….as a shortcut to creating a psychological safe space.”

She highlighted that: “Women enjoy a different kind of conversation when they’re in the majority.”

The network grew from a first meeting of over 80 women in Bristol to ten hubs around the UK, one in Frankfurt and one in New York. It is now a largely web-based network, with over 30,000 followers from around the world on LinkedIn.

It provides resources, relatable role models, opportunities for professional development and a community for people that identify as women working in all areas of sustainability.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by The Extra Mile and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.

All photos: Ursula Billington

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