Thrivability matters newsletter
Building Bridges:
Equality and Community Engagement
Hello!
The opportunity to build a more equitable and thrivable future is here—what we do today will shape tomorrow. When we share with purpose and stand in solidarity, we move closer to a future built on fairness and dignity for all. Equity and equality are the heartbeats of that journey.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
THRIVE at the Brisbane Sustainability Festival!
Some members of the THRIVE team attended the Sustainable BNE Festival in Brisbane and interacted with members of the community to share all things thrivable!
Read the News post about the great day!
Spotlight –
Grameen Bank
The Grameen Bank’s microfinance model empowers women in rural communities by providing small, collateral-free loans. Over 97% of its borrowers are women, and these loans help them start businesses, support their families, and improve their communities. By focusing on financial inclusion, Grameen enables entrepreneurship, education, and resilience, fostering long-term social and economic change. This model not only reduces poverty but also promotes gender equality by addressing systemic barriers. Grameen Bank’s approach demonstrates the power of inclusive finance in transforming lives, shifting from traditional aid to empowering women as agents of change.
Dr. Maryam Rustaee, PhD in Agricultural Development
Thriver’s voice –
Dignity Period
‘Working to end period poverty’.
Dignity Period, female-founded by Sonia Barlow, is a social enterprise dedicated to reducing period poverty and promoting menstrual health. By providing affordable, reusable sanitary products, Dignity Period ensures women and girls in marginalised communities can manage their periods with dignity.
Their work empowers women to stay in school, work, and participate in society without the barriers of period poverty. Through advocacy and sustainable solutions, Dignity Period is breaking the stigma around menstruation and advancing Equity & Equality.
Becca Hughes, Editor at THRIVE Project
May Focus
Gender Equality & Reduced Inequalities //
Sharing & Solidarity Economy
This month, we shine a light on the power of gender equality and reducing inequalities through the spirit of sharing and solidarity. Building a fairer economy means lifting every voice, valuing every contribution, and ensuring opportunities reach everyone, no exception. A solidarity economy isn’t just about transactions; it’s about trust, justice, and collective strength. Together, we’re reimagining systems that prioritise people over profit, equity over exclusion, and collaboration over competition. Change starts when we share, stand together, and refuse to leave anyone behind.
Thriving Minds
Attempt the NEW Challenge on our website! Hint: if you’re up to date with our Articles, this should be a breeze! Anyone can play and have a chance to win a prize – complete this challenge by May 25th!
May Articles
Pinkwashing, the Pink Tax, and Rainbow Capitalism
Opportunities and Challenges: AI in Mental Health Care
Male Birth Control: A Step Towards Shared Responsibility
Universal Design: A Framework for Classroom Inclusivity
Gender Equity In Biodiversity Conservation
Climate Change affects Health: Rising Risks
The Road to Gender Equality –
Part 3 of 3
The path to climate resilience begins with inclusion.
Around the world, women are leading grassroots climate movements, innovating sustainable practices, and advocating for their communities. Yet too often, their voices go unheard in policy-making and global climate strategies.
Our whitepaper highlights the real-world impact of gender-responsive climate action—from case studies to data-driven insights. It’s a call to leaders, organisations, and communities: to build a livable future, we must elevate those most affected and most capable of driving change.
🌱 Equity is not an add-on—it’s the foundation.
Stay tuned for the full release. Together, we can THRIVE.
Thrive recognition – Gender equality whitepaper
How Achieving Gender Equality Leads to Better Climate Outcomes is a recent whitepaper from THRIVE Project that explores how gender equality contributes to stronger and more inclusive responses to climate change.
The paper covers key areas such as the link between gender equality and climate change, the role of education, equal pay, gender-smart agriculture, values-based innovation, and policy recommendations which are framed within the THRIVE Framework. This whitepaper was co-authored by Maryam Rustaee and Emily Larsen, who contributed equally to its development.
Maryam Rustaee holds a PhD in Agricultural Development and brings a strong foundation in sustainable and inclusive approaches to development.
Emily Larsen holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and is currently pursuing a PhD. Her academic background supports a strong focus on ecological systems and sustainability.
Their work reflects the collaborative values at the heart of THRIVE Project.
Story Highlight by Thriver
Memory Munetsi (Team Assistant)
Intention to THRIVE
In the riverside village of Lumina, people lived rich lives but remained divided by wealth. When a storm ruined the poorer side’s crops, Maya, a wealthy farmer, opened her granary to those in need. Others followed, creating a culture of sharing and solidarity.
A young girl, Ayo, asked, “Why didn’t we do this before?” The elders reflected and realised that a truly thrivable future means addressing not just survival, but fairness and opportunity for all. They formed a council that welcomed every voice; young, old, rich, poor striving for equity and equality.
Lumina began to thrive, not by accident, but by intention. In unity, they discovered the strength of community and the truth that to thrive is to rise together.
Webinar – What’s next?
THRIVE Partnerships
Your feedback matters to us! Email us at [email protected]
Until then, do keep on thriving!
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