From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in a significant call for gender inclusion in climate initiatives, has urged that women be integrated into every stage of Climate Action Planning and implementation.
She stated this during a meeting with Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe on Friday.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that women are not only victims of climate change but also key contributors to combating its effects. “Women are 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,” she stated.
The minister reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the National Council on Climate Change to empower women as agents of change, promoting a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of strengthening partnerships to protect women from the adverse impacts of climate change while enabling them to participate actively in developing sustainable solutions.
Maduekwe echoed these sentiments, highlighting that women, particularly in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges due to their reliance on natural resources for their livelihoods. She noted that while women face significant challenges from climate change, they also possess the potential to lead sustainable initiatives. “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 asserted.
The meeting concluded with a call for increased collaboration between the National Council on Climate Change and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to create gender-responsive climate policies that empower women to lead adaptation and mitigation efforts. Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended Dr. Maduekwe for her dedication to advancing a gender perspective within the climate change agenda.