Climate change is a global justice issue. The worlds poorest, and least responsible for the damage to the climate and with the lowest carbon footprints are paying the highest price. From cyclones in Mozambique, to droughts in Madagascar and Somalia, to the more recent floods and heatwaves, millions of lives are being impacted by climate change now. This is not only an environmental issue, it intersects with social systems, privileges and longstanding injustices. It affects people of different ages, races, class, gender and over geographical locations. Trusha Reddy, head of energy and climate justice at the WoMin African Alliance says “Climate justice is also heavily interconnected with historical injustices, it relates to how the climate crisis came about, who caused it, and so ultimately, who really needs to take the biggest amount of action.”
Oh William! & Vladimir: The wonderful world of books with older women protagonists.
I also appreciated the way the author talked about and dealt with the aging process and the significant role it plays in the lives of women. The many changes a women’s body goes through after childbirth and the obsessions we can develop on any particular part of our bodies, after someone compliments it. From ears, to knees to ankles, a single comment, even by a stranger, can take a hold over a person. The preparation we go through when faced with the possibility of meeting someone, and how age can affect that process. I love reading about women and our struggles and how differently we approach things at various stages of our lives.
Women in Translation
This years winner Geetanjali Shree has spoken about the colonial legacy of writing in English in the Indian subcontinent and this is true for writers across the globe. English is the language of the rich, with wealthy people from ex British Empire countries going to international schools or being educated abroad in English speaking countries. Publishing is also elitist and extremely inbred industry, with the big players dominating across the globe. Non-white authors who write in English tend to be at least middle class, thus being able to afford to write for a living.
This Hybrid Reads 