From Dream to Action: The Story Behind Women Rising for Climate Resilience

Three months ago, we began with a simple but urgent question: how do we help women turn climate knowledge into meaningful action?

The need is clear. Climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty by 2050, while women remain underrepresented in climate decision-making—despite leading some of the most innovative community solutions. Research across 91 countries shows that greater female representation correlates with stronger climate policies and lower emissions. The gap between who carries the burden and who is heard remains wide.

Wedu’s Women Rising for Climate Resilience was created to help close that gap. The eight-week e-learning programme equips emerging women leaders across South and Southeast Asia with the clarity, confidence, and practical tools to lead climate action in their own communities. It aligns with Wedu’s wider vision to support 1,000 women climate leaders by 2027.

Building a Course for Real-World Leadership

The programme took shape through listening. Women told us they already understood climate issues—they needed support translating that knowledge into action. They wanted frameworks, confidence, and a way to see themselves as climate leaders in their own context.

In response, we blended relational, eco-centred leadership approaches with practical problem-solving tools. The course invites women to explore who they are as leaders, understand the systems shaping their communities, and design solutions that feel tangible and achievable.

Co-creation at Every Step

Because leadership is relational, the curriculum was built in relationship. Nineteen Wedu alumni and partners including the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Sunline Foundation, Acclimate, Expertise France Philippines, CARE Vietnam, ActSEA and Ashoka Indonesia, who contributed insights that grounded the programme in regional realities. That collective wisdom shaped what emerged. The result is a course designed by women, for women, and made practical through the contributions of climate organisations and practitioners who understand what real action looks like on the ground.

The Learning Journey

The curriculum centres on one guiding question:

How can I lead meaningful climate action in my own community?

Across eight weeks, learners:

• explore climate justice, gender-responsive leadership and systems thinking
• apply practical tools such as personas mapping, theory of change and power mapping
• develop a Climate Solution Concept Note to move their idea forward

Just as importantly, they build a peer network that continues beyond the course.

Tested and Ready for What Comes Next

In October 2025, we piloted the course with 25 women across the region. Participants described the approach as empowering, practical and confidence-building. Many began shaping real solutions before the course even ended.

As one participant shared:

“I learned that climate leadership is not about being an expert—it is about being willing to listen, learn and take action in my own context.”

A Growing Movement — With Support

The pilot affirmed the need. To deliver the next phase—and make the programme accessible to more women—we are now seeking funding partners who can help resource facilitation, scholarships, mentorship, and regional reach.

If you are a foundation, donor, corporate sustainability programme or climate-focused funder interested in enabling women-led climate action, we would welcome a conversation.

Women Rising for Climate Resilience has been developed by Wedu in collaboration with women leaders and climate organisations across South and Southeast Asia. 

With the right partners, this programme can grow into a powerful wave of women leading climate resilience across Asia.

This reflection piece was written by Linh Nguyen, Wedu’s Programme Manager Consultant for Community Learning & Development