2 Women-led Organisations in SVG Awarded USD 25k Each For Climate Justice 

Representatives from the 22 beneficiary organisations (Grantee Partners) alongside CFCJM Advisory Committee, Support Staff, Global Fund for Women, USAID, CIWIL – St. Kitts & Nevis Chapter and Africa Movement Lead. CFCJM Photos/Chameleon Media

By Admin. Updated 3:55 p.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Two women-led organisations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have been awarded USD $25,000 each for climate justice. 

The grants were awarded by The Caribbean Feminist Climate Justice Movement (CFCJ), in partnership with Global Fund for Women.

The two organizations in SVG are We are Mayreau Inc and Next Level Inc. They are among 22 women-led organisations from 10 Caribbean countries that have been awarded grants.

In a November 5 press release, the Caribbean Feminist Climate Justice Movement (CFCJ) said the historic grants will finance grassroots initiatives across the region that address the critical intersection of climate action and gender justice.  

The CFCJ said each organisation received USD $25,000 (USD $1 = $2.70 XCD) to support projects championing climate justice at the intersection of food security, economic justice and gender justice. 

“This funding is part of CFCJ’s broader goal to facilitate accessible, sustainable and flexible funding for Caribbean feminist organisations which traditionally experience financing challenges and promote feminist climate justice, ensuring that vulnerable communities across the Caribbean are equipped to combat the impacts of climate change,” the organization said. 

Country Lead and Advisory Committee member of  CFCJM, Aria Laidlow-Ferdinand also shared: “Climate justice and gender equity in the regional and further SVG is highly underfunded. These grants provide opportunities to propel this very important work and movement which is integral to building resilience. Aligning resources at the grassroots level and with the work needed for us to adapt to our new normal is paramount.”

Champions of Climate Action in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The funded projects spearheaded by We Are Mayreau Inc and Next Level Inc underscore the critical work being undertaken by women-led organizations in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Speaking on the impact of this funding:

Marion Isaacs, President of We Are Mayreau Inc said: “We Are Mayreau Inc has been pioneering movements in climate action with a specific focus on coral reef restoration and ecological farming as we roll out a ridge to reef approach to marine conservation and restoration within the Southern Grenadines. This grant will allow us to work alongside female strategic consultants and other female experts as we invite their voice and guidance, in an effort to move us towards financial sustainability. 

Ms Isaacs also added: “Our social enterprise- Reef Life will see the development of its website (with e-commerce capacity), the development of tours and experiences around our projects, and the coaching/mentorship of other female entrepreneurs, belonging to the community of Mayreau. All this in an effort to increase female participation and representation in the areas of environmental stewardship.”

Similarly, Sanya Compton of Next Level Inc shared: “Next Level Inc., established just under 2 years ago (June 24, 2022) has been dedicated to women’s upliftment and empowerment through women entrepreneurship. The funding received from the Global Women’s Fund will assist immensely with facilitating the work we have started on better understanding, supporting and documenting women environmental entrepreneurs and stewards. Among the key focus areas that our work will cover includes – supporting the engagement of women in resource management and capacity building for addressing vulnerabilities to environmental perturbations (e.g. climate change and variability, natural disasters).”

The Caribbean Feminist Climate Justice Movement continues its mission to reimagine philanthropy, center community voices, and mobilize feminist climate solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.