Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister on Friday said all stages of climate action planning and implementation must incorporate women, as they are the most affected in cases of global warming.
She also said women are key solution providers in combating the impacts of climate change. She described women as “key stakeholders” in the fight against climate change.
“We must ensure that their voices are heard, and their unique perspectives are incorporated into national climate strategies”, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said in a meeting with the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, as revealed in statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Mr Jonathan Eze.
The Minister assured of the Ministry’s commitment to collaborate with the NCCC to empower women as agents of change in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.
The NCCC Director General, Dr. Maduekwe said climate change affects women disproportionately and also presents an opportunity for women to be at the forefront of sustainable solutions.
“Women are natural resource managers, caregivers, and community leaders. They have the capacity to drive climate resilience initiatives if given the necessary support and resources”, she said.
She called for increased collaboration between the NCCC and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to develop gender-responsive climate policies and programs that will empower women to lead climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
The Minister commended Dr. Maduekwe for her dedication to advancing the climate change agenda with a gender perspective.
Both parties agreed to strengthen partnerships to ensure that women are not only protected from the adverse impacts of climate change but are also empowered to contribute to sustainable climate solution.