Donegal graduates from course on the impact of climate on women and communities

Donegal had three graduates on the first-ever third-level course on the impact of climate on women and communities.

Twenty-one students graduated from the Community Work in a Changing Ireland certificate programme with a new focus on feminist climate justice. The programme is run by the Department of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University in conjunction with Community Work Ireland and the National Women’s Council.

Professor Jennie C Stephens, Professor of Climate Justice at Maynooth University, Joanne Butler, and Dr Niamh Flanagan, Head of the Department of Applied Social Studies 

The National University of Ireland level 7 course is the first of its kind, and Letterkenny’s Joanne Butler and Olitha Mpofu, as well as Khethiwe Malinga from Stranorlar, are among the first of the graduates.

“When we think of the impact of climate change on women or marginalised communities, we often think of far-flung places, but the reality is that climate change and climate policy is affecting communities here in Ireland too, and even Donegal already,” Joanne said.

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“For example, energy poverty, poor public transport services, and access to decent food and housing are all climate issues which affect some communities more than others. I’m thrilled that this course has equipped me with a foundation of knowledge and confidence to communicate all things climate with the people of Donegal.

Professor Jennie C Stephens, Olitha Mpofu, and Dr Niamh Flanagan

Collette McEntee, project coordinator of Feminist Communities for Climate Justice, a joint project between Community Work Ireland and the National Women’s Council, said: “This marks a huge achievement for all the graduates of our cert programme. They are now in an ideal position to raise awareness of the global climate crisis as an issue for women and marginalised communities, connecting it to the immediate problems and priorities that they currently face, as well as its future impacts.

 Professor Jennie C Stephens, Khethiwe Malinga and Dr Niamh Flanagan

"Education is a vital tool in the fight for climate justice, and for us it’s crucial that women’s organisations and community development organisations can play an active role.”

Feminist Communities for Climate Justice have a national network of community workers, volunteers, activists and more which they encourage everyone to sign up for. Find out more here.

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