Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has proposed that women must be included in every stage of Climate Action Planning and implementation, not only because they are victims of climate change but also key solution providers in combating its impacts.
The minister disclosed this at the weekend during a meeting with the director general of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, who also highlighted the critical link between climate change and its impact on women during a courtesy visit.
In a statement signed by the special adviser to the minister on media, Mr Jonathan Eze, the minister emphasised that climate change is a priority issue for the ministry and noted that women must be involved in every stage of climate action planning and implementation.
“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,” Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She assured the director general of the ministry’s commitment to working with the National Council on Climate Change to empower women as change agents in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.
Both parties agreed that partnerships must be strengthened to ensure that women are protected from the adverse impacts of climate change and empowered to contribute to sustainable climate solutions.
Dr Maduekwe stressed that women are among the most affected by climate-related challenges, particularly in rural areas where they rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. She emphasised that women are not only victims of climate change but also key solution providers in combating its impacts.
“Climate change affects women disproportionately, but it 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,” Dr Maduekwe stated.
She called for increased collaboration between the National Council on Climate Change and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to develop gender-responsive climate policies and programmes that 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.
