Hemavathi Shekhar Is Bridging The Gap Between Climate Justice And Indian Law

Growing up in Kolar, a region in Karnataka known for its gold mines and temples, Hemavathi S Shekhar was exposed to a bounty of culture. However, the drought-prone region also taught her the harsh realities of environmental challenges. This shaped her awareness of the critical need for sustainable resource management and climate transition. Today, she is a lawyer and the founder of Enact Earth Foundation, a platform to foster climate justice.

Hemavathi is part of the 2024 Women's Climate Collective cohort, a platform that supports emerging women leaders in climate action. In an interview with SheThePeople, she spoke about her vision to enable the youth and women to enter environmental leadership.

Hemavathi S Shekhar: Excerpts From The Interview

Please tell us about yourself – your educational background, where you grew up, what you do. How was your passion for climate action ignited?

I’m Hemavathi S Shekhar, a 28-year-old lawyer and climate justice advocate from Kolar, India. Growing up in Kolar, a region known as an "Eternally Drought Prone Region," exposed me to the realities of water scarcity and environmental injustice at a young age. We faced four years of drought, and as a child, I experienced the frustration and helplessness of waiting for water tankers just for a daily supply of drinking water. This experience left a lasting impression, shaping my view on climate justice and the importance of conserving resources.

My formal journey into climate advocacy began during my time at law school, where I joined an Environmental Law Centre that supported the Government of India in developing the country’s first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Here, I encountered the stark disparities between the Global North and Global South in terms of both responsibility and vulnerability to climate impacts. Seeing this disparity sparked an interest in the topic. Eventually working with an NGO and engaging with communities firsthand for various Public Interest Litigation spurred my commitment to representing and supporting marginalised communities affected by climate change.

In my current role, I combine my legal expertise and my personal experiences to advocate for climate justice, especially for youth and communities on the frontlines. My focus is on creating spaces for their voices, particularly as they are often the most impacted by and least represented in climate policy discussions.

What is the story and vision behind the Enact Earth Foundation?

The Enact Earth Foundation was founded in 2021 with a vision to foster a society that is climate literate, just, and resilient. The foundation grew from my experiences witnessing the lack of accessible climate education and awareness, especially among marginalised and vulnerable communities. Enact Earth is rooted in the belief that to achieve meaningful climate action, we must address issues of justice, equity, and accessibility in climate discourse and policymaking.

Our mission is to empower communities and young people to understand and actively engage in climate action, recognising that each person’s voice is critical in building a sustainable future. Through initiatives focusing on climate literacy, intergenerational equity, and gender justice, Enact Earth strives to ensure that climate advocacy is inclusive and representative. Ultimately, we envision a world where communities are equipped with the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves and contribute to a more just, sustainable, and resilient society.

What are some ways in which environmental issues affect women and marginalised communities? How are climate action and social justice collated?

Environmental issues such as drought, flooding, and pollution have disproportionately severe effects on women and marginalised communities. In many regions, women are primary caregivers and manage household resources, which makes them more vulnerable when those resources, like water and clean air, become scarce. Additionally, marginalised communities often live in areas more prone to climate hazards, and they generally lack adequate resources to adapt or relocate when faced with environmental disasters.

Climate action and social justice are deeply interconnected. Addressing climate change effectively means advocating for policies and solutions that protect the rights and livelihoods of those most impacted. This means considering not only environmental impacts but also social inequities that may limit a community's capacity to respond. My work, both in grassroots advocacy and international policy spaces, is informed by this intersection, where environmental issues and social justice converge. Ensuring that the voices of women, Indigenous populations, and marginalised communities are represented in climate policy is essential for achieving justice and equity in climate action.

How can more women and girls worldwide be encouraged to pursue climate leadership roles and get involved in creating innovative solutions?

Encouraging more women and girls to pursue climate leadership requires a multi-faceted approach that removes the barriers they currently face. This starts with ensuring access to education and resources, such as scholarships and funding for women-led climate initiatives, as well as mentorship programs where women leaders in climate action can guide young women. Building platforms that amplify women’s voices and prioritising gender representation in policy discussions can also inspire and empower women to take leadership roles.

Through initiatives like YOUNGO’s Negotiations and Lobbying Working Group, I strive to create more spaces where young women can build their capacity in the climate sphere and engage confidently with policymakers. Additionally, tackling systemic obstacles—like language accessibility and financial limitations—is crucial to encourage widespread participation from women globally. With greater representation and support, women and girls can bring new ideas and solutions that contribute to a just and sustainable world.

Can you share your insights on how youth-led initiatives and disruptive innovations are driving climate action, especially in India?

As a Council Member of the Loss and Damage Youth Grant-Making Council, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of youth-led initiatives. These projects often take innovative approaches to tackle local challenges, which may not be addressed by traditional institutions. In India, many young people are pioneering projects that promote sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community resilience. Youth-led initiatives bring urgency and creativity to the climate conversation, as young leaders are deeply aware that they are fighting for their future.

Through the grant-making process, we aim to support initiatives that address both immediate and long-term climate impacts. By giving young people the resources and platform to implement their ideas, we are not only advancing climate action but also inspiring a generation of change-makers who prioritise justice and inclusivity in their solutions. Youth-led innovation in India, for instance, ranges from technological solutions to traditional ecological knowledge, reflecting a holistic approach to climate action that is both grounded and forward-looking.

As a woman in law and academics, have you experienced persistent gender gaps or other societal barriers? Have any of your personal experiences impacted your advocacy efforts?

Yes, as a woman in the fields of law and academia, I have encountered gender biases and societal barriers that often limit women’s roles and voices. In male-dominated spaces, women are sometimes perceived as less authoritative, which can affect their ability to influence decisions and advocate for change. These challenges have underscored the need for inclusive and equitable practices within my advocacy, both for women and other marginalised groups.

These personal experiences have strengthened my resolve to create spaces within climate advocacy where gender is not a barrier to participation. My work within YOUNGO and Enact Earth reflects this commitment, as I focus on building systems that support the voices of those who are often overlooked or excluded. Gender equity in climate justice is not just a goal; it’s a necessary foundation for a fair and effective climate movement.

Why do you think institutions like Women’s Climate Collective are essential in advancing social equity in climate action?

Institutions like the Women’s Climate Collective play a vital role in promoting social equity by creating spaces where women can lead and contribute equally to climate action. They provide essential support networks that empower women, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, to advocate for policies that consider diverse perspectives and needs. By focusing on gender equity, these institutions help address the underlying social imbalances that hinder women’s participation in climate action.

Such collectives also challenge the status quo, working to dismantle stereotypes and systemic barriers that limit women’s roles in climate leadership. They make it possible for women’s voices to be heard in climate policy, which is crucial for creating solutions that truly serve everyone. In a field where leadership roles are still predominantly male, institutions like Women’s Climate Collective help build an inclusive, equitable climate movement.

How has working in the climate action domain influenced you personally?

Working in climate action has deeply influenced me, shaping my values and priorities. My experiences in this field have taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and inclusivity. I advocate for “No Climate Justice without Kindness,” a belief that all actions within climate justice should be grounded in compassion and care. I carry this philosophy into my workspaces, where I encourage openness, mental health awareness, and mutual support among team members.

In a personal sense, climate action has also taught me adaptability. As a lawyer and an advocate working with diverse communities, I’ve learned the value of understanding different perspectives and collaborating with people from all walks of life. This work constantly reminds me of the strength that comes from unity and shared purpose, driving me to continue striving for a just and equitable future.