The three shortlisted projects are:
The shortlisted projects are (in alphabetical order):
- Awesome Blossoms: Edible Fresh Fields for Sustainable Life in the Slums, a project of Safe Spaces Organization, submitted by Leslie Janoe, AWC Amsterdam;
Link to the summary in PDF
- Love for the Sea: Empowering Indigenous Women through Coral Restoration, a project of the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center, submitted by Robin Goldsby, AIWC Cologne;
Link to the summary in PDF
- Wing Woman Lebanon, a project of Stand for Women, submitted by Monica Jubayli, AWC Lebanon.
Link to the summary in PDF
Each FAWCO Member Club has the opportunity to vote for the project they would most want to support. Ballots will be sent to your club's FAWCO Rep on February 1, 2023. Clubs will have until February 15, 2023 (12pm local time) to cast their votes. I encourage you to take this opportunity to learn about each project and the organization.
Four Non-shortlisted Projects:
The remainder of the nominated projects, submitted by FAWCO members, addressed a wide variety of environmental issues addressing community needs:
- Unlocking opportunities to access water for households and agriculture, therefore enhancing food security;
- Improving access to clean, safe water by re-excavating ponds and harvesting rainwater, facilitating sustainable farming techniques;
- Increasing access to solar energy, therefore reducing energy poverty and greenhouse gas emissions;
- Developing self-confidence in the girls with demonstrable skills and experience in conservation management, and a career in wildlife conservation, and empowering women and girls in rural communities.
The Target Project Selection committee was impressed by the diversity of the projects and acknowledged that all the organizations are doing incredible work. Once the Target Project is selected we look forward to taking time to revisit each of these projects to share with you the wonderful work they are doing to bring inspiring equitable environmental opportunities to women, girls and communities around the globe.
In the meantime, we would like to recognize the FAWCO members and their project submissions (in alphabetical order):
- Awesome Blossoms, a project of Safe Spaces Organization, Kenya, submitted by Leslie Janoe, AWC Amsterdam;
- DAKTARI Spark - Igniting Environmental Opportunities for Girls, a project of Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, South Africa, submitted by Mary Adams, AWC The Hague;
- Empowering ‘Raizal’ Women in Providencia Island, a project of Fundación Providence, Colombia, submitted by Milena Mejia-Samper, AWC Bogota;
- Indigenous Women Farmers Creating a Sustainable Future, a project of BARCIK, Bangladesh, submitted by Mary Manning, AWC Heidelberg;
- Love for the Sea, a project of Caribbean Coral Restoration Center, Panama, submitted by Robin Goldsby, American International Women’s Club, Cologne;
- Solar Learning for Women in Kenya, a project of Solafrica, Switzerland/Kenya, submitted by Carol Mcowen, AWC Bern;
- Wing Woman, a project of Stand for Women, Lebanon, submitted by Monica Jubayli, AWC Lebanon.
The Target Project Selection Committee
The committee, led by Tharien van Eck, is a group of highly dedicated FAWCO members representing the diversity within the organization:
- Amanda Drollinger, AWC Central Scotland, Target Program Environment Chair;
- Angie Aebersold, AWC Bern;
- Auli Nuojua, AWC Finland;
- Barbara Buhling, AIWC Dusseldorf e.V.;
- Frances Durocher, AWC Berlin;
- Laureen Scharps, AIWC Frankfurt;
- Mary Dobrian, AIWC of Cologne e.V.;
- Sheila Doucet, AAWE Paris;
- Tharien van Eck, AWC Antwerp.
The committee members spent many hours reading, evaluating and discussing each application and the merits of the individual proposals. After deliberation, a decision was reached resulting in the published shortlist.
The decision is now yours to review the shortlisted three proposals and to cast your ballot!
What did being a member of the Selection Team mean to team members:
Amanda Drollinger - Being on the Target Selection Committee has been an eye opening experience and a privilege to see in depth the range of environment projects submitted for Target 5 Environment.
Angie Aebersoldt - I am on The FAWCO Foundation Board; my position is VP Programs. I am also on FAWCO's Events Planning Committee. What the Target Program means to me... First, what FAWCO can do when we come together as one and what we can accomplish. The Target Program is also, for me, the epitome of what FAWCO is, women for women and children, support, friendship, a helping hand, female energy, making changes that make the world a better place, a home away from home.
Auli Nuojua - What I enjoyed about the selection committee: it was amazing to get to know (a little at least) so many women that are interested in promoting women's and environmental issues, and that are so capable and knowledgeable about them. The meetings were also enjoyable as the communication was always respectful (punctuated with a little humor here and there), even though differing opinions were presented.
Barbara Buhling - I have been intricately involved in the last two Target Projects and I am a huge fan of the Target Program and the cooperation in the entire FAWCO community that enables us to make an impact on the lives of many women and children while learning incredible details about the relevant global issues. This has been my first opportunity to serve on the Target Project Selection Committee and it simply confirms my enthusiasm for the Target Program! The thought and consideration given to each individual proposal has been enlightening and I am impressed with this group of interesting women who each takes her role seriously and makes contributions to the discussions. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this rewarding process.
Frances Durocher - Being a part of the selection committee has deepened my knowledge of the various ways that climate change is affecting so many communities and ecosystems around the world. It was very inspiring to see people working hard to make changes – and learning how FAWCO could have a positive impact!
Laureen Scharps - Reviewing and deliberating on the variety of Target Project 5 proposals made me realize how much important work can be done for the environment by marginalized individuals in smaller communities. I fully appreciated the opportunity to engage with other enthusiastic FAWCO women in selecting the finalists.
Mary Dobrian - There is scarcely a more urgent issue in the world today than human beings’ impact on our natural environment. And around the world, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. With the Target Project Environment, we have a great opportunity and a great responsibility to make a meaningful difference in this area. I am honored to be part of the selection process for Target 5.0 Environment.
Sheila Doucet - The Target Program is a tremendous opportunity for FAWCO & FAUSA members to unite to support tangible solutions to the climate crisis. Solutions which already exist. Solutions which improve the lives of women, children and their communities around the world. It was an honor serving on the selection committee to take a deep dive into the drive and motivations behind each nominee's work. Bravo to each nominee for what they do.
Tharien van Eck - Chairing the selection of the TP5 project was a wonderful opportunity, not only in getting to know more dedicated FAWCO volunteers, but also understanding the importance of becoming more aware of the environment and contributing in creating a healthier planet for next generations.
Pictured above, left to right, top row: Tharien, Auli, Laureen, middle row: Amanda, Frances, Sheila, bottom row: Angie, Mary, Barbara.
