African Women Champion Climate and Gender Justice at Africa Climate Summit 2023

Nairobi, September 5, 2023 – As Nairobi recently host the Africa Climate Week, African women from diverse backgrounds and regions came together to launch the Africa Women and Gender Constituency. Their historic gathering aimed to shed light on the profound impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods while advocating for climate justice with a strong gender-inclusive approach.

Traditionally excluded from climate mediation efforts, African women are now poised to bring their demands to the forefront through collective action. Memory Kachambwa, the Executive Director of the African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FEMNET), emphasized the pivotal role of women in achieving a just transition in climate solutions. She declared, “We cannot talk about a just transition when women are not at the center. We want decisions on climate justice to be all-inclusive because we have all been affected by the climate crisis.”

Lorraine Chiponda, representing Don’t Gas Africa, underscored the urgency of the climate crisis’s impact on African women. She called for immediate solutions, rejecting false alternatives such as climate markets and carbon offsetting. “African women have been affected and pained by climate disasters. Africa cannot afford to delay—we need solutions now,” Chiponda stated.

Mildred Ngesa, a Pan-African feminist and journalist, reiterated the demand for not only climate justice but also gender justice. She emphasized that African women have borne the brunt of climate-induced loss and damage and stressed that their perspectives should never be overlooked. “African women know where the shoe pinches,” Ngesa added.

The 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in effective climate governance. The report recognizes that women are particularly vulnerable to the multiple risks associated with the climate crisis. It recommends actions that prioritize equity, climate justice, social justice, and inclusion while supporting transformative change and climate-resilient development.

The Africa Women and Gender Constituency is uniquely positioned to address the diverse challenges faced by African women. The group seeks to consolidate its demands and present them to key decision-makers in preparation for COP 28, scheduled to take place in Dubai.

Dr. Melania Chiponda, the Gender Advisor of the African Activists for Climate Justice, emphasized the power of collective voices in dismantling oppressive structures such as racism and patriarchy that hinder climate action. “Africa is our business, and climate change is African women’s priority,” stated Miriam Nthenge, a human rights advocate.

In a display of solidarity, Sarah Nannyondo Okello from Akima Mama wa Afrika highlighted the importance of smashing patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, neoliberalism, and imperialism in the pursuit of climate and gender justice.

Yvonne Muya from SHE Nature urged the Africa Climate Summit to prioritize inclusivity in policy formulation, recognizing the need for diverse voices and perspectives.

However, Irene Asuwa, an ecological and community mobilizer and organizer, voiced concerns about the Africa Climate Summit’s effectiveness. She expressed the need for alternative spaces to address the challenges faced by African women, citing chaos and waning confidence in the summit’s intentions.

The Africa Climate Week aimed to amplify the voices of African parties, uniting them at the negotiation table for COP 28. The success of these efforts will determine whether meaningful shifts on both regional and global scales can be achieved.