Who we are?
The Women’s Climate Congress is an Australian not-for-profit organisation working to promote nonpartisan women’s participation, leadership and priorities for action on climate change alongside deep listening and collaboration across different political, business and community perspectives.
Women’s participation and leadership in decision making for action on climate change is critical in the global bid to achieve climate security before it is too late. But our historically patriarchal systems of government still exclude women’s full, equal participation, while polarisation in public discourse precludes the collaboration needed for rapid action.
Since its formation in January 2020, WCC has engaged with 1000s of women from all parts of Australia and overseas, across political parties and from all walks of life. We are connected nationally and internationally to women at all levels of governance and decision making.
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Through our networks and a range of online and in-person events, we have co-created the WCC Charter for Change. This Charter gives voice to the aspirations of women, in all our diversity, for immediate collaborative action to address the climate crisis while laying the groundwork for long-term human and planetary wellbeing.
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The Women’s Climate Congress emerged from a profound moment of reflection during Australia’s Black Summer of 2019–2020. Janet Salisbury’s discussion paper, Independent Mediation for United Action on Climate Change, envisioned a way forward amidst the paralysis of the "climate wars." Inspired by the actions of women in 1915, who responded to the devastating losses of WWI, the paper called for a new era of collaboration and dialogue.
Janet drew on years of experience leading conversations in Canberra and amplifying citizen concerns through initiatives with the Canberra-based women’s gorup, A Chorus of Women. She wrote:
"Humanity stands at a crossroads. Climate scientists warn that we have less than a decade to get our house in order before we suffer catastrophic consequences. Our children are calling for action to secure their future, and our country has been ravaged by fires and floods. But our political system has resulted in deadlock.
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The Women’s Climate Congress seeks to break this deadlock by inviting thinking minds from all perspectives to collaborate. We advocate for a national and global ‘thinking organ’ that brings together diverse voices to find just and sustainable solutions for climate action—solutions that transcend political divides while respecting core beliefs.
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The Congress is deeply inspired by the spirit of collective action and care demonstrated by women throughout history. In times of crisis, women have often come together to heal divides, foster connection, and lead transformative change. Today, as we face unprecedented climate challenges, we carry this legacy forward with determination and hope.
Our vision
We share a vision to create climate security by 2030. In this future, women’s leadership has helped turn the tide of political culture from polarised discord to collaboration and cooperation. Nurture of life and care for the Earth are at the centre of every government decision.
Our values and commitment
We, a web of women, seek and support wisdom for the common good.
We acknowledge the ancestral wisdom of First Peoples and accept our responsibility as custodians of a precious world.
Sharing a great desire to care for the young, we raise our voices, confident in women’s potential for positive change.
Weary of conflict and polarisation, we embrace uncertainty, encourage mediation, and seek collaboration.
Qualities of the heart—compassion, love, empathy—are the foundation of true strength for survival.
As beneficiaries of the industrial age, we acknowledge our responsibility for the present climate with gratitude and lament.
Listening deeply to science, we recognise Earth's interconnected systems and commit to uncovering sustainable ways forward.
Artistic vision and creativity guide our efforts to imagine transformative solutions.
Connecting head, heart, and hands, we will collaborate across genders to restore nurture and care for life in all decision-making.
Following our foremothers, we respond to Earth’s call with shared responsibility and aspiration.