As parts of efforts to curb the adverse effects of climate change on the lives women, a Non-governmental Organisation, the League of Queens International Empowerment, has embarked on a Gender and Climate change project aimed at providing women with a platform to amplify their voices.
Speaking at a press conference in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria on Friday, the Project Officer Idorenyin Bassey, stated that the project which aims to mobilize young women to advocate for a gender inclusive climate solutions in the Niger Delta and to amplify their voices and leadership for climate actions has trained 30 young women on climate change manifestations.
The Programme Officer further explained that the organisation had commenced planting of trees in primary schools in Akwa Ibom state, adding that the target “is to plant 2000 economic trees within the next 12 months.”
She, thus, called for partnership with government, private sector, individuals and civil society organizations.
Madam Regina Asanga, a member of Board of Trustees of the Organisation, noted that the project was very timely as it has provided an opportunity for young women to project their voices on the issue of climate change.
Asana, who blamed the effects of climate change on human activities further stated that “climate change is a global phenomenon and it has affected women the most”.
“Apart from the women serving as home managers, they (women) also bear the burden of climate change most, compared to the men counterparts.
“Apart from the livelihood and ecological effects of oil and gas extraction, women also suffer health challenges, the poisonous effect of gas flaring which has been routine in communities such as Ibeno for the past 62 years on account of the activities of ExxonMobil.
“This has contributed to increase rate of irregular menstruation among young women and early menopause. Implying that there are fertility complications for women as well.”
The project which began in September 2022 is being implemented with the support of Urgent Action Fund Africa and has held advocacy meetings with government stakeholders drawn from Ministry of Environment (Climate Change unit), Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Women Affairs.
