Empowering Change: Warrior Moms Lead the Fight Against Air Pollution
Warrior Moms, an ideation and action-oriented collective, transcend language barriers, demographic variances, and geographical limits as part of the ‘Mothers For Clean Air’ initiative. Their mission: combatting toxic air and fostering a healthier environment for all.
Uniting for Clean Air
In September 2020, mothers from diverse regions of India converged on the inaugural UN International Day of Clean Air and Blue Skies. Their shared goal: ensuring children’s fundamental right to breathe unpolluted air. Bhavreen Kandhari, co-founder of Warrior Moms, emphasized the necessity of collective action: “If one suffers, everyone does. Therefore, it was time to band together and not only be the change, but demand change as well.”
Advocacy and Action
Warrior Moms are dedicated to raising awareness about air pollution’s sources, educating citizens, and empowering them to take action. They actively engage with decision-makers to enforce regulations aimed at combating air pollution.
The Battle Cry: ‘Enough is Enough’
Under the rallying cry of ‘Enough is Enough,’ Warrior Moms raise their voices to restore clean air for children. Kandhari highlighted the imperative for maternal action: “As mothers, the common pledge that most of us took when our child entered this world was to protect them and provide the best of everything we could afford.”
Advocacy and Accountability
The group emphasizes the rigorous implementation of laws promoting clean air. Their efforts encompass preventing tree felling, discouraging waste burning, controlling fireworks usage, reducing vehicular emissions, managing construction dust, improving waste management, and regulating thermal power plants.
Ensuring Air Quality Standards
The mission of Warrior Moms is to ensure the implementation of air quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) across India. They demand accountability from authorities, collaborate with stakeholders for cost-effective solutions, and empower more mothers to join the movement.
Impact and Inspiration
Warrior Moms draw inspiration from global studies revealing the extensive health damage inflicted by air pollution. They advocate not only for immediate health concerns but also for the long-term well-being of children.
A Growing Movement
Active in several Indian states, including Delhi-NCR, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, Warrior Moms are spearheading environmental advocacy.
Joining Forces: Uniting for Change
Documentary filmmaker Nina Subramani, recognizing the inextricable link between humanity and the environment, emphasizes the importance of environmental education. She underscores the significance of joining hands to address air pollution’s impact on society.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 lockdown underscored the tangible effects of reduced human activity on air quality. Warrior Moms, like Subramani, recognized the critical need for collective action to address air pollution.
Empowering Change Through Awareness
Despite their youth, Warrior Moms are making strides each day, propelled by their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for policy reforms. With a proactive stance, they aim to combat misinformation and foster a healthier future for all.