Meet the 18 Year Old Activist who is Leading Australia’s Intersectional Climate Movement
We sat down with Vasha Yajman to find out what drives her activism, what her hopes for the future are and how we can get more involved in the climate movement.
Interview by Anna Lowe
At just 18 years old, Varsha Yajman has achieved more than many people twice her age. After getting involved in the climate movement in 2018, Varsha’s advocacy has taken many forms including joining the Australian Youth Climate Coalition’s (AYCC) Student Climate Leadership program, organising the 2019 Australian Climate Strike, and speaking on nationally televised climate change panels with state premiers, all whilst studying for her final year of high school. Varsha’s passion lies in promoting intersectionality in the climate movement to elevate marginalised voices and emphasises the need for racial and gender equality.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Some of the things I love doing outside of school and work and social justice initiatives are going on walks, music, spending time with close family and friends, and also just binging a show on Netflix.
What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2020?
In 2020 I learned the importance of making your mental health and happiness a priority and began to recognise the amount of privilege I had in my life. For me now, happiness is really about appreciating what I have and what I can do, like taking a walk, making breakfast, and being able to appreciate the people in my life.
How did you get started with environmental activism?
I began my involvement in the climate movement when I was in year 11 by undertaking the student climate leadership programme with the AYCC (Australian Youth Climate Coalition). Since then I have had the opportunity to attend various events where I’ve been able to learn about climate justice and the importance of First Nations justice. Using the knowledge from these programmes, I had the privilege of being part of the AYCC National Leadership Team as well as the Sydney Core team for SS4C (School Strike for Climate (SS4C). In 2019, I then became the Schools Coordinator for the AYCC and helped run a programme that I got started in! These positions have allowed me to recognise the inadequacy of climate action and fight for climate justice. Today, I can say I am more passionate than ever to engage in this intersectional movement that is not only about fighting for climate action but climate justice.
What does climate justice mean to you?
To me, climate justice is about recognising intersectionality. This means acknowledging that climate action is not just about fighting for environmental justice but understanding the importance of equity. We all have different amounts of privilege in our lives, also about racial justice, gender equality, accepting the LGBTQIA+ community and ultimately fighting the nature of social issues.
Growing up, who did you look up to?
Family, friends, teachers at my school and the amazing women leaders like Greta Thunberg have inspired me to be ambitious and have made me realise the change that is made possible by anyone.
Is there anyone you think that deserves more recognition for what they’re doing in climate change?
I feel that people of colour are very underrepresented in the climate movement. The climate movement, although changing and becoming more diverse, can lack representation of minority groups. The climate movement must be intersectional and diverse in order to achieve the justice that we are fighting for, I hope to see more marginalised groups being recognised as our fight continues.
I read in one of your articles that some small steps we can do to help climate change include using beeswax wraps and putting waste in the correct bins, is there anything else we can do in our daily lives to help the climate and make a difference?
Honestly, every small step counts, whether that be walking or biking somewhere instead of driving, taking your own cutlery where possible instead of using plastic, or taking your own grocery bags. Sometimes I find that these small steps are more than just about working towards a better climate but also informing people around you about how these small steps amount to a big difference.
For anyone interested in pursuing climate activism, what would your advice be?
Getting involved in anything can be daunting, but joining the climate movement was one of the best decisions I have made. Not only have I found a place that empowers me and motivates me to focus on my passion for justice, but I have also found like-minded people who have become a support network. Get involved with your local group or if you don’t have one in your local community – sign up online or message one of the climate groups on social media, they’re usually super responsive and welcoming! Even if you can dedicate a couple of hours a week or month to help out it makes all the difference.
