A word from our co-directors and board
In the Netherlands and around the world, there is growing awareness that the current economic system is not working. Diverse social movements let their voices be heard in 2023, calling out loud and clear for justice and systemic change. In the Netherlands, Extinction Rebellion activists occupied a highway to bring attention to the urgent need to end fossil fuel subsidies – a policy Both ENDS has long advocated for. In Argentina, Indigenous peoples mobilised in resistance to the lithium rush, which threatens their communities and the fragile ecosystems they have long cared for. In Asia, women environmental human rights defenders have built a regional movement against mining and for democratic governance and corporate accountability. They are demanding recognition of women’s leadership in protecting life systems, cultures, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Their efforts give us hope in a world facing multiple crises.
- Annelieke Douma and Karin van Boxtel, Co-Directors
- Leida Rijnhout, Chair of the Board
2023 at a glance
To achieve our vision of a sustainable, fair and inclusive world, Both ENDS works to empower civil society, to change the system so it prioritises people and the planet, and to support transformative practices. This annual report features some of our best stories from 2023, which together show the broad variety of our achievements along each one of the three pathways.
Civil society: Building a network of women in action on mining
As part of the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA), Both ENDS has helped strengthen communities and organisations across Asia that share a common problem: mining. The Women in Action on Mining in Asia (WAMA) network grew out of a meeting in 2016 of GAGGA partners from Asia. WAMA includes both environmental justice organisations and women’s funds. Since its founding, WAMA’s annual skillshare – organised with support from Both ENDS – has become an important event, drawing women from mining-affected communities across the region.
Systemic change: A just and equitable energy transition
Both ENDS has long urged governments to stop supporting fossil fuel projects. The success of our efforts – together with climate justice movements worldwide – is finally apparent. Although the pace continues to be too slow, there’s no doubt about it: an energy transition is now underway. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that such a shift will translate to a more just and equitable energy system – a key component of the larger system change we know is needed to ensure that human rights are respected, gender justice is realised, and the environment is nurtured and protected, both now and in the future.
In our effort to change the system, Both ENDS focuses particular attention on public financial flows and public institutions, including Export Credit Agencies (ECAs). In 2023, we teamed up with FARN to explore the case of lithium mining in Argentina and the role of ECAs.
Examination of Power: Partners’ perspectives on Both ENDS
Both ENDS supports movements that are transforming power relations so that people everywhere can influence and share in the benefits of political and economic processes. In order to effectively create a sustainable, fair and inclusive world, we know that it’s crucial to analyse power – to examine who holds what kind of power and how they use it – and to work to recalibrate power as needed. We recognise that power – including its positive forms, such as the ‘power with’ and ‘power to’ bring about social change – is a crucial factor in the world around us, as well as in our own relationships, especially with partners.
Both ENDS has always strived to be an equitable partner, but our discussions about power prompted us to examine our own assumptions, particularly the assumption that channeling an increasing amount of funding to partners does not affect our relationships with them. It is within this context that we embarked on an ‘Examination of Power’ process in 2023.
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