Ibulliance: Bold Seeds of Change

The majestic dandelion. Yes! The humble yellow flower sprouting across lawns and fields is a magical plant. Children delight as they blow spherical poms into a cloud of parachuting seeds, while their parents curse the proliferation of what many consider nuisance weeds. However, the dandelion is one of Mother Nature’s secret weapons: attracting pollinators in early spring, offering health benefits when consumed, and growing deep roots which prevent erosion and improve soil nutrients. Inspired by this tenacious vegetation, our friends battling the climate crisis through social awareness and action campaigns, have adopted its name, noting it represents resilience, growth, and the unstoppable spread of change.
(Clockwise)  Former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders Mary Robinson; Jane Fonda with Ndidi Nwuneli; and Connected Women Leaders co-founders Ronda Carnegie, Pat Mitchell and Hafsat Abiola.

Project Dandelion was co-founded in 2022 by Ibu Ambassador Pat Mitchell, along with Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, and global women leaders—Ronda Carnegie and Hafsat Abiola—envisioning a new way to combat the pressing issue of a warming planet. Through research, they identified a gap—no unified mass-mobilization campaign for climate justice existed. So they created one targeting women, who are disproportionately impacted by our climate crisis and are making waves in finding solutions. Yes, Women! As an Ibu ally, you already know the power of women championing change, but did you know how much this global issue affects women specifically? And how women are making a difference? 

  • It is estimated that 80% of people displaced by the climate crisis are women.

  • When more women are involved in group decisions about land management, the group conserves more.

  • Where women have higher social and political status, their countries have 12% lower carbon emissions.

This year, Project Dandelion has partnered with SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association)—an organization representing 2.9 million women working in the informal economy across India. These women are not only preserving their craft but also building sustainable livelihoods through SEWA Bazaar, their digital social enterprise. Learning about the climate efforts of Project Dandelion, the women of SEWA created a collection of scarves, as well as short kurtas, embroidered with the yellow dandelion symbol. 

We are so inspired by the vital work Project Dandelion is championing, and embrace their mantra that Every Issue is a Climate Issue. Ibu is proud to support their efforts by offering the SEWA hand-embroidered designs through our Ibu Marketplace. Every purchase supports these artisans in overcoming the challenges posed by the climate crisis and strengthens their ability to secure income in uncertain times.

From the smallest seeds of change, we can produce a movement like a lion’s roar. Let’s lift our voices together for a better planet and future for women around the world.

With Gratitude,
Lasley Steever
Chief Marketing Officer

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