From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the ongoing United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has emphasised that climate change is intrinsically linked to women’s empowerment.
She stressed that empowering women to engage in climate action is essential for fostering innovative solutions and building community resilience. “If we are to win this fight against the impacts of climate change, we must provide women with platforms and tools to participate, contribute, and drive the solutions that the world urgently needs,” she asserted.
The Minister underscored the commitment of the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, who has established a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative. This initiative aims to tackle climate change challenges in Nigeria and recognises the significant contributions women make to environmental sustainability.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim pointed out that women constitute over 50% of Nigeria’s population and are responsible for more than 70% of agricultural activities. “This means we have both the numbers and the willingness to tap into the opportunities provided by the green economy,” she stated.
Highlighting the economic benefits of investing in women, Ibrahim noted that evidence from various global projects shows that when women are given access to credit, finance, skills training, and resources, they invest in ways that enhance food security, increase family income, and foster community resilience.
She announced a series of strategic initiatives designed to empower women in climate action. These initiatives, she added, aim to enhance women’s involvement in sustainable practices and address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
One of the key initiatives, she said, is the establishment of a Climate Division within the Ministry, which will focus on coordinating gender-responsive and age-sensitive climate actions. This division, she added, is expected to play a crucial role in integrating women’s perspectives into climate policies and programmes.
Additionally, Sulaiman-Ibrahim introduced the Women in Green Economy Programme, set to launch in 2025. This ambitious initiative, she explained, aims to engage women in planting 10 million economic trees and plants, including Nopal Cactus Cladodes, recognised for their ability to combat desertification and improve soil health.
The Minister outlined several empowerment initiatives that will be part of the Programme, which include: Empowerment of one million individuals in climate-smart agriculture; Transitioning one million households to clean cooking energy solutions; Supporting 1,000 female-owned startups engaged in climate-friendly businesses; Training 500,000 women in agro-processing techniques; and equipping 2,000 community-based female climate champions for data collection and community sensitisation efforts.
The Minister emphasised that these initiatives are not just about enhancing women’s roles but are also critical for achieving broader climate goals. She expressed optimism that with collaborative efforts from various stakeholders—including communities, governments, and international organisations—these programmes could significantly improve the quality of life for millions of women and children across Nigeria.
“We are committed to ensuring that women are at the forefront of climate action,” Ibrahim stated. “Their participation is vital for creating sustainable solutions that benefit our communities and the environment.”
Minister Ibrahim expressed optimism that with collaborative efforts from communities, nations, UN systems, donor bodies, financial institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders, the Women in Green Economy programme could significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of women.