Auckland Council launches the Women4Climate Mentorship Programme

Last Updated : 24 Feb 2022
Auckland Council launches the Women4Climate Mentorship Programme

Auckland Council is excited to announce the Women4Climate Mentorship Programme, aimed at women making a difference on climate action initiatives. The programme combines mentorship, remote training, collaborative learning and networking opportunities for 10 to 20 women in Tāmaki Makaurau.

The projects must be aligned with Auckland’s climate priorities, which aim to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Successful projects will put under-represented communities at the heart of climate action and ensure just and inclusive outcomes.

There will be a selection panel that will consider applications for projects related to the eight priorities in Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan.

Councillor Pippa Coom says, “I really encourage women passionate about climate action to apply for this opportunity. Connecting with experts and peers around the world is a great incubator for new ideas and a chance to get support for your projects. We welcome fresh approaches to meet the demands of the climate emergency and are inspired by what’s already underway across Tāmaki Makaurau.”

Committed to a better future for everyone

Auckland Council is committed to avoiding the worst impacts of the climate crisis by reducing our emissions and adapting to the climate emergency. Auckland is an active member of the C40 Mayor’s group which has committed to Net Zero Carbon Buildings, Advancing Towards Zero Waste, Green & Healthy Streets, Good Food Cities, Clean Air Cities and Divest/Invest and the Equity Pledge.

Under C40 cities, the Women4Climate mentorship programme advances the full participation of women and those who identify as a woman in the climate change sphere, by providing inspiring local role models plus access to global climate leaders. 

The mentorship programme matches committed leaders (mentors) from the public and private sector, international organisations and members of civil society with emerging leaders (mentees) who are working on developing climate projects and solutions. Other cities running active Women4Climate programmes around the world include Lima, Toronto and Barcelona.

Who is eligible?

We are looking to engage 10–20 women who live in Auckland and work on climate action initiatives. C40 uses an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female.” Transwomen, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who identify, have identified, or have been identified as female or woman are welcome to apply.

The projects can be initiatives you are delivering in a professional role or as a volunteer or entrepreneur.

The mentorship programme provides:

  • Mentoring and guidance from an experienced senior leader in their field
  • Networking with women working in sustainability across the private and public sectors
  • Regular training from global experts to enhance your climate and sustainability skills.

Applicants to the Women4Climate Auckland Mentoring Programme must commit to the following:

  • Meet an assigned mentor for 1-2 hours per month (in person or virtually) from April to November 2022
  • Attend the first launch meeting in early April
  • Attend an Auckland city-hosted training event and networking session
  • Attend at least 70 per cent of the C40-hosted monthly remote training sessions (2-3 hrs per session) to learn from global experts
  • Present outcomes of your project at a closing event to a panel of experts in late November.

Mentees will then be awarded a certificate of completion of the Women4Climate training programme.

Applications for the Women4Climate Mentorship Programme are open until 13 March 2022.

See the full application form

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