It is International Women’s Day on the 8th March, and the theme this year is Accelerate Action, which calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face.
We’re proudly women-led at Genee (even the office dog!) and committed to tackling the climate crisis. That is why this International Women’s Day, we wanted to acknowledge the fact that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s a gender issue, too. Women and girls, particularly those in developing countries, are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges. From water scarcity, to displacement, they often bear the brunt of environmental changes.
But women are also key to the solutions. According to the European Investment Bank, women leaders are more likely to invest in renewable energy, and women-owned businesses are more likely to pursue greater energy efficiency and practices such as recycling. Whether leading grassroots initiatives (as we see through many of our voluntary sector clients), or driving change through policy, women are driving climate action worldwide, and we need to accelerate that momentum.
Beyond activism, women hold significant spending power—particularly in the home—making choices that shape household consumption and influence sustainable markets, with studies showing that 78% of women say they make the purchasing decisions for their household. From choosing ethical brands to reducing waste and prioritising energy-efficient products, women’s everyday decisions can collectively drive demand for more sustainable business practices, amplifying the impact of climate-conscious choices.
At Genee, we want to ensure that we’re championing gender equality in all aspects of our business. That’s why we’re a certified B Corp, joining over 25% of B Corps which are proudly women owned. Our B Corp certification isn’t just a badge, but a reflection of our commitment to doing business the right way – balancing people, planet, and profit.
We work closely with Net Zero North East England, developing partnership approaches to accelerate the North East to Net Zero, and have partnered on a number of subsidised initiatives to support businesses through the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme and embed sustainability into their operations, including our work with Enterprising Durham to support start-up businesses, and Going Green Together which supports voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to develop their environmental management.
At Genee, all roads lead back to wanting to equip people and organisations with the tools to embed sustainability and transition into the green economy. We know that real change takes action, not just words. That’s why this International Women’s Day, we’re not just celebrating progress, but we’re pushing for more, both for women and for the climate.