The Role of Women and Youth in Climate Change
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Author: Ms. Julietta Lesamana (Fellows; 2023-2024 batch; from Kenya)
INTRODUCTION
Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, with far-reaching consequences for the planet and its inhabitants. As temperatures rise, weather patterns become more unpredictable, and natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the urgency to address this global crisis has never been greater. In this context, the roles of women and youth in climate change mitigation and adaptation are increasingly recognized as vital to driving effective solutions and fostering resilience.
Women and youth bring unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the climate change discourse. Women, as caregivers, resource managers, and community leaders, possess valuable knowledge and skills that are essential for adapting to changing environmental conditions and implementing sustainable practices. Meanwhile, youth, as inheritors of the planet and champions of future generations, are at the forefront of climate activism and advocacy, demanding bold action to address the urgent threats posed by climate change.
In this essay, we will explore the critical roles of women and youth in addressing climate change, examining their contributions, challenges, and potential to catalyze transformative change for a sustainable future. By empowering women and youth, investing in their leadership and participation, and amplifying their voices in climate decision-making processes, we can harness their collective power to combat climate change and build a more resilient and equitable world for generations to come.
THE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN AND YOUTH
The Unique Perspectives of Women and Youth in Addressing Climate Change:
Women and youth bring distinct perspectives to the discourse on climate change, rooted in their diverse roles, responsibilities, and lived experiences. These unique perspectives enrich the understanding of climate impacts, inform adaptation and mitigation strategies, and contribute to more holistic and inclusive approaches to addressing the climate crisis.
Women's Perspectives:
1.Caregivers and Household Managers: Women often bear the primary responsibility for household management, including food preparation, water collection, and energy use. As such, they are acutely aware of the daily impacts of climate change on their families' well-being and livelihoods.
2.Resource Stewards: In many communities, women are responsible for managing natural resources such as water, land, and forests. Their intimate knowledge of local ecosystems and biodiversity makes them key actors in conservation efforts and sustainable resource management.
3.Community Leaders: Women play vital roles as community leaders and decision-makers, bridging the gap between policymakers and grassroots communities. Their leadership in community-based initiatives for climate resilience fosters trust, cooperation, and resilience-building at the local level.
Youth Perspectives:
1. Intergenerational Justice: Youth view climate change through the lens of intergenerational justice, recognizing the long-term implications of current environmental degradation on future generations. They advocate for ambitious climate action to safeguard the planet for themselves and future inhabitants.
2. Innovation and Creativity: Youth bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and creative solutions to the climate crisis. Their digital savvy, social media influence, and grassroots organizing skills have propelled global climate movements and sparked transformative change.
3. Future Ambassadors: As the leaders of tomorrow, youth are deeply invested in shaping policies and actions that will determine the trajectory of climate change. Their engagement in climate advocacy and activism reflects a commitment to building a sustainable and equitable future for all.
By embracing the unique perspectives of women and youth, we can enhance our understanding of climate change, identify context-specific challenges and opportunities, and develop more effective and inclusive climate solutions. Empowering women and youth to participate fully in climate decision-making processes and providing them with the resources, support, and platforms to amplify their voices are essential steps towards building a more resilient and sustainable world.
Roles of Women as Agents of Change in Addressing Climate Change:
Women play multifaceted roles as agents of change in addressing climate change, leveraging their leadership, expertise, and grassroots networks to drive transformative action at all levels of society. Their contributions span a wide range of domains, from community-based adaptation initiatives to global advocacy efforts, and are essential for building resilience, promoting sustainability, and advancing gender equality in the face of climate change.
Leadership and Advocacy:
1.Political Leadership: Women leaders in government, civil society, and international organizations are instrumental in shaping climate policies, strategies, and negotiations. Their leadership fosters gender-responsive approaches to climate action and ensures that women's voices and perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
2.Corporate Leadership: Women entrepreneurs and business leaders are driving innovation and sustainability in the private sector, developing green technologies, and promoting sustainable business practices. Their leadership contributes to reducing carbon emissions, fostering resource efficiency, and promoting corporate social responsibility.
Community-Based Initiatives:
Disaster Risk Reduction: Women play critical roles in disaster risk reduction efforts, including early warning systems, evacuation planning, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Their leadership in disaster response ensures that vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized groups, are prioritized and protected.
Environmental Conservation and Restoration:
Natural Resource Management: Women's stewardship of natural resources, such as forests, fisheries, and agricultural lands, is essential for conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Their involvement in conservation projects and ecosystem restoration efforts contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience.
Community Forestry: Women-led community forestry initiatives empower local communities to manage forests sustainably, protect biodiversity, and generate income from non-timber forest products. Women's participation in forest governance ensures that their rights, interests, and traditional knowledge are respected and integrated into forest management plans.
Education and Empowerment:
Education and Awareness: Women's organizations and grassroots networks play a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change, promoting environmental education, and empowering women and girls to become agents of change in their communities. By providing access to information, skills training, and capacity-building programs, they enable women to participate actively in climate action and decision-making processes.
Gender Mainstreaming: Women's groups advocate for gender-sensitive approaches to climate policy and programming, ensuring that women's specific needs, priorities, and vulnerabilities are addressed in adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building efforts. Gender mainstreaming promotes gender equality, social justice, and human rights in climate action, fostering more inclusive and equitable outcomes for all.
By recognizing and supporting women's roles as agents of change in addressing climate change, we can harness their leadership, expertise, and networks to catalyze transformative action, build resilience, and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Empowering women to lead climate initiatives, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and investing in women's education and empowerment are essential steps towards achieving climate justice and environmental sustainability.
Youth's Roles as Agents of Change in Addressing Climate Change:
Youth are at the forefront of the global movement to address climate change, driving transformative action, advocating for bold policies, and mobilizing communities for sustainable solutions. As inheritors of the planet and advocates for future generations, youth play vital roles as agents of change across various domains, from grassroots activism to global advocacy. Their contributions are essential for catalyzing systemic change, promoting sustainability, and shaping a more equitable and resilient future in the face of climate change.
1.Climate Activism and Advocacy:
Global Movements: Youth-led climate movements, such as Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and the Sunrise Movement, have mobilized millions of young people worldwide to demand urgent action on climate change. Through protests, strikes, and social media campaigns, youth activists raise awareness, pressure policymakers, and amplify the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis.
Policy Advocacy: Youth advocates engage in policy advocacy at local, national, and international levels, lobbying for ambitious climate policies, carbon neutrality targets, and climate justice principles. Their advocacy efforts influence decision-making processes, shape public discourse, and hold governments and corporations accountable for their environmental commitments.
2.Innovation and Technology:
Green Entrepreneurship: Youth entrepreneurs are driving innovation and sustainability in sectors such as renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable agriculture. They develop innovative solutions to climate challenges, create green jobs, and promote economic growth while reducing carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
Digital Activism: Youth leverage digital platforms, social media, and online networks to raise awareness about climate change, share information, and mobilize support for climate action. Digital activism amplifies youth voices, facilitates global solidarity, and accelerates the pace of change in the digital age.
3.Education and Awareness:
Climate Education. Youth organizations and youth-led initiatives promote climate education, environmental literacy, and sustainability awareness among peers, communities, and schools. By providing access to information, resources, and educational programs, they empower young people to understand the science of climate change, recognize its impacts, and take action to address it.
Youth-Led Campaigns: Youth-led campaigns, workshops, and outreach activities raise awareness about climate-related issues, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution. By engaging in educational outreach and public engagement, youth advocates inspire behavior change, promote sustainable lifestyles, and foster environmental stewardship among their peers.
4.Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Youth Networks: Youth networks, alliances, and coalitions bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and regions to collaborate on climate action initiatives. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships, youth organizations amplify their impact, share best practices, and scale up innovative solutions to address complex climate challenges.
Youth-Driven Research: Youth-led research projects and citizen science initiatives contribute to scientific knowledge, data collection, and monitoring efforts related to climate change. By conducting research, gathering evidence, and documenting environmental changes, youth researchers inform policy decisions, support advocacy campaigns, and promote evidence-based solutions to climate issues.
By recognizing and supporting youth's roles as agents of change in addressing climate change, we can harness their energy, creativity, and passion to drive transformative action, build resilience, and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Investing in youth leadership, empowering youth-led initiatives, and amplifying youth voices in climate decision-making processes are essential steps towards achieving climate justice and environmental sustainability.
Empowering women and youth for climate action
Empowering women and youth for climate action is essential for driving effective solutions, fostering resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for all. By providing opportunities, resources, and support, we can harness the leadership, creativity, and passion of women and youth to catalyze transformative change and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Here are several ways to empower women and youth for climate action:
1.Access to Education and Training:
Provide access to quality education and training in climate science, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience for women and youth. Education equips them with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to understand climate change, identify solutions, and contribute to mitigation and adaptation efforts.
2.Leadership Development and Mentorship:
Offer leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives to empower women and youth to take on leadership roles in climate action. Mentorship from established leaders and role models provides guidance, support, and encouragement for aspiring climate champions.
3.Financial Support and Funding:
Allocate financial resources, grants, and funding opportunities specifically targeted towards women-led and youth-led climate initiatives. Financial support enables women and youth to implement projects, launch campaigns, and scale up their efforts to address climate challenges in their communities.
4.Access to Technology and Innovation:
Facilitate access to technology, innovation, and digital tools for women and youth to develop and implement climate solutions. Technology can amplify their impact, enhance communication, and facilitate collaboration across geographic boundaries.
5.Participation in Decision-Making Processes:
Ensure meaningful participation of women and youth in climate decision-making processes at all levels, including in government, policymaking, and international negotiations. Their perspectives, experiences, and voices are essential for informing policies, strategies, and actions that address the needs and priorities of diverse communities.
6.Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion:
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in climate action by actively engaging women and youth from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Recognize and address the intersecting forms of discrimination that affect their participation and representation in climate initiatives.
7.Recognition and Amplification of Voices:
Recognize and amplify the voices, contributions, and achievements of women and youth leaders in climate action. Highlighting their stories and successes inspires others, fosters solidarity, and mobilizes support for climate initiatives.
8.Youth-Led Advocacy and Mobilization:
Support youth-led advocacy and mobilization efforts to raise awareness about climate change, mobilize public support, and hold governments and corporations accountable for their climate commitments. Youth activism drives momentum, galvanizes action, and pushes for systemic change.
9.Collaboration and Partnerships:
Foster collaboration and partnerships between women's organizations, youth groups, governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for climate action. Collaborative approaches maximize impact, promote innovation, and drive collective action towards shared climate goals.
By empowering women and youth for climate action, we can unlock their potential as agents of change, accelerate progress towards climate resilience and sustainability, and create a more just and equitable world for current and future generations. Investing in their leadership, participation, and capacity to drive change is essential for achieving climate justice and building a resilient and sustainable future for all.
CASE STUDY- Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT)
The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is a membership organisation owned and led by the 45 community conservancies it serves in Kenya (northern and coastal regions) and Uganda. NRT was established as a shared resource to help build and develop community conservancies, which are best positioned to enhance people’s lives, build peace and conserve the natural environment. As institutions, community conservancies not only give people a voice, but provide a platform for developing sustainable enterprise and livelihoods either directly or indirectly related to conservation. NRT is a game changer in climate change and does this through women and youths.
How does NRT support women and youths in climate change?
1. Trainings. Women are trained on sustainable practices for instance; use of clean energy at homesteads, land rehabilitation example semi-circular bands and grass reseeding. Semi-circular bands and grass reseeding leads to growth of plenty pasture in bear lands. The women in the landscape started these practices and have experienced a positive change on the degraded land before.
2. Awareness meetings. NRT, through conservancies, create awareness on grazing management including; grass plots, livestock census and herd bunching. This helps to preserve pasture for future use during long droughts. These meetings have been embraced by women and youths in big numbers and have born fruits so far.
3. Scaling vocational and livelihood programs. Scaling vocational programs like Ujuzi Manyattani and NRT broader livelihood initiatives is imperative. These programs, applauded by community conservancies for their employment and income potential, are being extended to reach a wider audience especially women and youth. Additionally, NRT is developing a comprehensive education strategy and drought preparedness plan, acting as catalysts for enhanced livelihoods. This has helped women and youth adopt to climate change as it affects their livelihoods since they fully relied on pastoralism before this enlightment.
4. Livelihoods Programmes. NRT livelihoods programmes have made essential services accessible to previously underserved communities. NRT have developed infrastructure, implemented water management systems, and constructed primary schools and healthcare facilities, creating a lasting positive impact and generating economic opportunities for communities across the NRT landscape. Women and youths felt the great impact of climate change as wells and rivers dried up due to pro-longed droughts and they had to walk to long distances to fetch water. With the help of NRT, they can now fetch clean water just close to their homes.
5. Empowered livelihoods through successful community business programs. NRT Trading’s Ujuzi Manyattani has led to transformative outcomes by providing vocational skill training to youth with limited formal education, such as motorcycle repair. Another successful initiative is BeadWORKS, which has empowered 1,200 women in artisanal production. In 2022 alone, BeadWORKS produced Ksh 32.4 million and won the Kenya E-commerce Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award. Tourism has also benefitted community conservancies, with Ksh 117.2 million generated in 2022, a 34% increase from the previous year. Additionally, NRT Trading supports the management of a communityowned sacco, promoting financial inclusion and generating economic opportunities for conservancy members. Women and youths now have a way of earning other than depending on pastoralism and agriculture which is highly affected by climate change.
6. Resolving human-wildlife conflict transparently. NRT have learned that clear processes and procedures are essential for transparent and efficient resolution of human-wildlife conflict issues. NRT has employed more than a thousand youth including women in Northern and coastal region as rangers to take charge in wildlife protection. NRT is targeting to increase women recruitment in this department. This has sustained community interest in conservation and wildlife protection and thus help to mitigate climate change.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, youth engagement and activism are indispensable forces in the global movement to address climate change and shape a more sustainable and equitable future. With their passion, creativity, and determination, young people are driving transformative action, mobilizing communities, and advocating for bold solutions to the climate crisis. From grassroots mobilization and digital advocacy to youth-led initiatives and intergenerational collaboration, youth are leading efforts to raise awareness, demand accountability, and catalyze systemic change across the globe.
The significance of youth engagement and activism in addressing climate change cannot be overstated. As the inheritors of the planet and the most affected by the impacts of climate change, young people have a vested interest in shaping the policies, practices, and priorities that will determine the future trajectory of our planet. Their voices, perspectives, and contributions are essential for building resilience, promoting sustainability, and achieving climate justice for present and future generations.
Moving forward, it is imperative that we recognize and support youth as key stakeholders and partners in climate action. Empowering youth and women as leaders, amplifying their voices, and providing them with the resources, opportunities, and platforms to drive change are essential steps towards creating a more sustainable and equitable world. By harnessing the energy, creativity, and passion of young people, we can accelerate progress towards a carbon-neutral future, protect our planet's precious resources, and ensure a better quality of life for all inhabitants.
In conclusion, youth engagement and activism offer hope, inspiration, and momentum in the fight against climate change. Together, let us stand with youth and women activists, support their efforts, and work collaboratively towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
