Our impact

In just 5 years, we have supported the leadership development of women who have influenced some of Australia’s most important environmental campaigns and projects.

WELA women are from all ages, stages and walks of life – strategists, organisers, campaigners, volunteer coordinators, lawyers, CEOs, communicators and much more. Together, this growing community is transforming Australia’s response to our environmental and climate crises.

Leadership

Since 2016, we have supported the leadership development of more than 90 women and gender diverse people working across multiple sectors.

WELA programs offer a transformative leadership experience that has led to increased influence and confidence of participants, resulting in greater impact for our environment.

Since their participation in a WELA program many alumni have reported significant outcomes for our environment from their work, and others have moved into new positions or secured promotions for greater impact for our environment and climate. 

Outcomes

Since completing a WELA program, our alumni have gone on to influence some of Australia’s most important and strategic campaigns and projects for our environment such as:

Stopping a new coal mine in New South Wales

Stopping dangerous waste incinerators in Sydney’s suburbs

Successfully leading climate emergency declarations through numerous councils

Contributing as key organisers or campaigners to build renewable energy and to Stop Adani

Saving essential habitat from logging

Being elected to state parliament and local councils

Community

Our community extends from Darebin VIC to Denmark WA, and from grassroots communities to global corporations.  

Active participants have reported greater connection and support, and inspiration to take on new leadership challenges for our environment. 

WELA women are stepping forward into formal and informal leadership positions in government, business, NGOs, the media, academia, on boards and in community groups. They are paid and unpaid leaders in the following organisations and more. 

Read more

WELA Impact Report 2021-2022

Testimonials

WELA has enabled me to take all I thought impossible to challenge in the system and and reframe it to make me feel powerful and capable of making change.

Libby Harper
WELA 2018

The nurturing of the WELA experience has been life changing. I’ve found fresh inspiration and confidence to forge my personal path as an environmentalist, and stepped into leadership roles for two projects.
The support and mentoring of WELA made it possible to meet the challenges with renewed ambition. After a 25 year working career, ten years in the environment movement, the WELA program has encouraged me to believe my contribution is important and effective and that I can

Ruth Hessey
WELA 2018 at the WELA 2019 Gathering

WELA was an amazing opportunity to meet and learn from a wonderful group of women. It was a very supportive environment in which to learn and grow. I think one of the most important outcomes is connecting people together, which as a whole helps create a more connected environmental movement. It was a blessing and a gift to be part of it and I feel stronger and ready for more challenges.

Tiffany Harrison
WELA 2016