Theory of Change
Although the science field has made great strides in diversifying their workforce, there is still underrepresentation of minorities and women, especially in the field of environmental sciences. Women and minorities only make up a small percent of the world's most influential environmental decision-making bodies. Another really important issue to address is that girls and women are affected more by climate change and natural disasters than their counterparts.
What Does All That Mean?
There is a need to promote and appreciate the woman's and minorities role in the management of natural resources and science developments. By creating programs that include women and minorities for environmental conservation, government officials can begin to design policies that will address these societal problems. Women and minorities are very good at creating an inclusive environment and fostering good relations within the community. Minority women also need to be informed and educated about alternative methods of cooking, farming and waste disposal that could help reduce environmental pollution in low-income communities. If women and diversity are well represented at higher levels of decision making, grassroots participation and disaster preparedness will be more effective.
The Plan and Goal
The Bijoux Foundation is attempting to address these issues by providing not only after-school educational tutoring, but programs that will foster an interest in environmental sciences. Multiple studies find that girls learn better in groups and with hands on activities, so we plan to provide interactive projects and field trips for them to participate in. Things like swimming, gardening, scuba diving and cooking are all opportunities for them to see the importance of environmental studies. The goal is that we can become the catalyst for change in the lives of young women and their families. This change will not occur quickly and only by identifying the gaps can strategies be created to make a better, more sustainable future.
Email: bijouxfoundation@gmail.com