Heather Boetto

Rural Women and Climate Change: A Gender-inclusive Perspective

Abstract This paper reports on a small-scale research study that explores the impact of climate change on rural women. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 7 women, who came from a regional centre and were either employed by womens services or who had activist roles within the community pertaining to womens services. Outcomes of the study identified a range of areas of impact, including increased hardship for rural women, implications of household roles, and subsequent organisational responsibilities. A high level of concern, particularly for the vulnerability of women in crisis, was identified among participants. We contend that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly relevant to the social work profession and that specific groups such as women are at risk of further disadvantage unless collective action is taken to circumvent the impact of climate change. Strategies for social work practice and policy initiatives are considered.

Environmental sustainability in social work education: An online initiative to encourage global citizenship

This article explores the impact of an online programme developed to educate Australian social work students about environmental sustainability. Drawing on Hawkins’ definition of global citizenship, online workshop activities are used to develop students’ knowledge, concern and action about environmental degradation in a global context. A qualitative approach is used to gauge the value of the programme, and outcomes indicate benefits to student learning about social justice issues, particularly in relation to gender, carbon emissions and global impacts. Implications for social work education are discussed, and a framework for future curriculum development is presented.

Is social work really greening? Exploring the place of sustainability and environment in social work codes of ethics

This article examines the extent to which issues of environmental sustainability are represented in three national social work codes of ethics – the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. These national codes are discussed and implications for social work are analysed with a view to strengthening the profession’s position regarding environmental sustainability. Findings suggest that national codes do not include concern for environmental sustainability as a core professional concern. The authors make recommendations for developing ethical practice and further argue that the international professional body of social work, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), should take a fundamental leadership role in advocating for environmental sustainability.

Social work students’ reflections on gender, social justice and human rights during a short-term study programme to India

This article explores the impacts of a short-term international study programme on Australian social work students’ understanding of social justice and human rights issues, with particular emphasis on gender oppression. Using qualitative data from a reflective workshop plus written evaluations, students’ reflections on learning experiences during the programme are described and explored. Implications for social work study abroad programmes and the professional knowledge base are considered. Findings indicate that student understanding of gender oppression, social justice and human rights as global issues was enriched by the programme and the need for faculty-led facilitated, reflective learning is reinforced.

Climate Change Adaptation: Community Action, Disadvantaged Groups and Practice Implications for Social Work

ABSTRACT This paper explores community-level action in relation to socially based climate change adaptations for vulnerable citizens—older people in particular. While awareness of risk and adaptation has increased in various institutions across Australia, the translation of awareness into action is limited, particularly in the area of socially based adaptive measures for the most vulnerable. Through content analysis of local government documents in two major Australian cities, this paper assesses the extent of action and identifies trends and strategies in relation to social adaptation. Findings indicate varying levels of action and some examples of “best practice,” but overall, evidence indicates more effort is needed at the community level. The role of the social work profession in challenging and broadening discourse is also explored especially in terms of highlighting the social impacts of climate change in future policy development, community action, and initiatives.