On International Women’s Day and everyday, Pure Earth honors female leaders who are pioneering the fight against pollution, and brings awareness to pollution’s impacts on women and maternal health.
2024 Virtual Webinar
Hidden Hazards: Protecting Maternal Health from Toxic Chemical Pollution
March 5, 2024 at 9am New York / 9am Bogotá / 2pm Accra / 7:30pm Delhi / 8pm Dhaka / 10pm Manila
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, join us for an insightful panel discussion that delves into the intersection of heavy metal pollution and maternal health in low- and middle-income countries followed by an audience Q&A.
Learn more about the event here.
Journalist Nadima Umar Uthman Wins UN Award for Coverage of Pure Earth Ghana’s Work to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning
In December 2023, Nadima Umar Uthman won the bronze medal at the 27th annual United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) awards, receiving the prestigious Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize for her exceptional reporting on lead poisoning’s effects on pregnant women and children and Pure Earth’s interventions in Ghana.
Her extensive reporting on Pure Earth’s intervention in Ashaiman has not only brought attention to this critical issue in Ghana but also showcased journalistic excellence and integrity.
Watch Uthman’s award-winning reporting on lead pollution in Ghana.
Women and the Fight Against Pollution
Across the globe, women are cleaning up pollution, protecting families and the planet, and advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable.
The profound impact that pollution has on maternal and child health demands action, and women are leading the effort, crafting solutions in government and policy making, private entrepreneurship, and community-level interventions.
Pure Earth’s Force of Nature awards celebrate the strength and achievements of our honorees as well as countless women the world over working every day to solve pollution, protect their families and communities, and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Pollution is a Maternal and Child Health Issue
Exposures to dangerous chemicals have a multigenerational impact on women and families. Pregnant women can transmit toxins to their infants in utero and via breast milk. Toxic exposures have been linked to pre-term birth, infant mortality and developmental disabilities. Lead and mercury are increasingly making their way into kitchens around the globe in baby food, tuna, spices and cookware, most acutely in the households of poor families in low- and middle-income countries. Plus, millions of women have livelihoods such as small-scale gold mining and battery recycling that pollute and use dangerous chemicals.
Women are The Key to the Solution
Once educated on the dangers and sources of toxins, Pure Earth’s experts report that it’s the women in the community who often take charge—participating in our trainings on how to clean up pollutants in the home and make their work practices safe. They are also the most vocal advocates.
At Pure Earth, we aim for equal participation of women in all our projects. Learn more:
Pure Earth’s Force of Nature Awards
Pure Earth’s Force of Nature awards recognize the strength and achievements of our honorees as well as countless women the world over working every day to solve pollution, protect their families and communities, and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Previous Force of Nature Celebrations for International Women’s Day
2024
Awardees included:
Graciela Montaño – The Executive Chef and Founder of Aura Mexican Cooking and a Pure Earth Ambassador. She is also the author of a collaborative project with Pure Earth, Pure Earth’s Kitchen Cookbook.
Allison Charalambous – The VP of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at Brilliant Earth.
Andrea José Castro – A jeweler and the Founder, Creative Director, and CEO of Casa Collab, a collaborative design lab for jewelry and wearable products founded in Peru. Through her company, Andrea has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating the first sales of responsibly mined gold from the Peruvian Amazon to both national and international markets.
Vilma Contreras – The President of the AMATAF Mining Association and Women’s Mining Association of Madre de Dios, Peru. Vilma epitomizes grassroots leadership and environmental stewardship. Her commitment to mercury-free mining and reforestation initiatives underscores the transformative power of community-driven action.
Read more about our 2024 Force of Nature honorees on the Pollution Blog.
2023
Awardees included:
Dani Cutler — A leader in responsible sourcing in the jewelry industry, top supplier of mercury-free arstisanal gold and key to the Pure Earth Pure Gold Auction.
Karen Mathiasen — Former Acting Executive Director, World Bank Group; Commissioner, The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, raising the profile of pollution on global development agenda.
Alicia Ogawa — Pure Earth Board Member committed to encouraging companies and investors to include pollution in their ESG initiatives.
2022
Awardees included:
Carol Browner — the longest serving Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is currently Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP. She has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting environmental equity.
Christina Malle — a former human rights lawyer turned goldsmith and advocate for a traceable and transparent jewelry supply chain.
Dr. Netzy Peralta — an anthropologist by training, and also a member of the Nahua community, the largest indigenous group in Mexico. Her personal connection to the indigenous community and insight into local cultural traditions is critical to Pure Earth’s work transitioning artisanal potters to using safe, lead-free glazes under the Barro Aprobado program.