The role of women in Africa’s climate action strategies

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and its impacts are felt across every facet of life, from economic stability to public health and environmental sustainability. But one aspect of this crisis that often escapes adequate attention is the role of women in Africa’s climate action strategies. As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of my career to climate change mitigation, I find it imperative to emphasize that addressing climate change effectively requires not only policy and technological solutions but also a holistic recognition of the roles and vulnerabilities of women in society. This recognition, in turn, reflects a broader commitment to equity, sustainability, and the health of future generations. Africa’s women are the backbone of many communities. They are farmers, caregivers, educators, and entrepreneurs. Yet, they are disproportionately affected by climate change. When droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events disrupt agriculture, it is often women who bear the brunt of the resulting food insecurity. When resources become scarce, it is women who walk longer distances to fetch water or firewood, sacrificing time that could be spent on education, income generation, or rest. And when climate-induced disasters strike, women and children are more likely to suffer from displacement, violence, and health risks.

In my experience working on climate change mitigation, I have witnessed firsthand the profound interconnectedness of environmental and societal issues. For example, I have seen how methane emissions from poorly managed landfills and oil fields contribute to climate warming and poor air quality, exacerbating respiratory illnesses that disproportionately affect women and children. Similarly, I have observed how degraded ecosystems, often the result of unsustainable practices, undermine the livelihoods of women who rely on natural resources to feed their families. These experiences have stressed to me the urgency of integrating gender considerations into climate strategies and ensuring that women are not only protected but empowered as key agents of change. Globally, the issues that affect women are often indicators of broader societal health. Women are not just mothers but the first line of nutrition and care for the next generation. When toxins from polluted water, air, or food accumulate in women’s bodies, these pollutants can be passed to their children through pregnancy and breastfeeding. This creates a vicious cycle where environmental degradation directly impacts the health of entire communities. It is no exaggeration to say that the health of society is mirrored in the health of its women. Addressing climate change, therefore, is not just an environmental imperative but a public health and human rights necessity.

The good news is that examples from around the world demonstrate the transformative potential of prioritizing women in climate action. In Bangladesh, for example, programs that provide women with education and resources to adapt to climate change have significantly improved community resilience. Women trained in flood management, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness have become leaders in their communities, reducing vulnerabilities and fostering innovation. In Kenya, initiatives that support women’s access to clean energy technologies, such as solar-powered lamps and clean cookstoves, have improved health outcomes, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced economic opportunities. These success stories emphasize a simple yet powerful truth, which is that when women are empowered, everyone benefits. Empowered women are better equipped to make decisions that protect their families, manage resources sustainably, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of climate change. But for many women across Africa, such empowerment remains out of reach due to systemic barriers, from lack of access to education and financing to cultural norms that limit their autonomy.

In Nigeria, the need to prioritize women in climate action is particularly urgent. Our country faces a range of climate challenges, from desertification in the north to flooding in the south. These challenges exacerbate existing inequalities and place an outsized burden on women. Yet, despite their vulnerability, Nigerian women possess immense potential to drive climate solutions. Across rural and urban areas, they are already leading grassroots initiatives, from tree planting campaigns to waste recycling projects. What they need is greater support from governments, businesses, and international partners. To achieve this, governments at all levels must integrate gender considerations into climate policies and programs. This means investing in women’s education, particularly in fields like science, technology, and agriculture, where they can contribute to sustainable development. It also means ensuring that women have access to financial resources, such as grants and loans, to scale up climate-smart businesses and initiatives. Governments must also actively involve women in decision-making processes, recognizing their unique insights and priorities.

One approach Nigeria could adopt is to establish gender-sensitive climate funds, similar to those seen in countries like Norway and Canada. These funds could support projects that directly benefit women, such as clean energy initiatives, sustainable farming programs, and health interventions targeting pollution-related diseases. Additionally, Nigeria could strengthen its data collection and monitoring systems to better understand how climate change impacts women and track the effectiveness of gender-focused interventions. The stakes could not be higher. Climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality, and its impacts are only expected to intensify. Thus, prioritizing women in our climate strategies, would protect some of the most vulnerable members of society but also unlock solutions that benefit us all. Women are not just victims of climate change but they are also leaders, innovators, and custodians of our shared future. Ignoring their potential would be a disservice to our collective efforts to build a more sustainable and equitable world.

As I reflect on my journey in climate change mitigation, I believe that a comprehensive approach would addresses both the root causes and the human dimensions of the crisis. Technical solutions, such as reducing methane emissions or transitioning to renewable energy, are essential. But so too are social solutions that recognize the roles and needs of all members of society, particularly those who have been marginalized. Let us not wait for crises to escalate further before acting. Let us draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated gender considerations into their climate policies and strive to do the same here in Nigeria. The health of our planet, our people, and future generations depends on it.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu ([email protected]) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.