Empowering Change: Key Stakeholder Meetings Drive Climate Justice Forward in Nasarawa State

Stakeholders in Nasarawa State are urging the government to adopt Gender-Sensitive policies. This call came during a recent meeting in Lafia focused on making disaster preparedness more inclusive.

At the meeting, Otubusin Sarah Anuoluwapo, a Senior Programme Officer with Education as a Vaccine (EVA), highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue with women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. These communities are often most affected by climate-related disasters, yet their voices are frequently missing in policy discussions.

EVA, along with the Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI), is running the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project. This initiative aims to empower young women and girls, giving them the tools to advocate for their rights. “We want them to know their rights and be part of shaping the policies that impact their lives,” Anuoluwapo explained.

Mr. Emmanuel Envouh Oklo, Executive Director of BYI, reinforced that the initiatives under AACJ emphasize the unique challenges that climate change poses for women and those with disabilities. He stressed the need for inclusive disaster response systems.

Consultant Joseph Ibrahim presented research findings that emphasize the importance of Gender-Sensitive disaster planning. He noted that while Nasarawa State is responding to disasters well, there are gaps in how these responses consider the needs of women and marginalized groups. “Messages and committees must be tailored to include women and disabled persons,” he said.

Mrs. Asaba Aveson, the State Coordinator for the Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative, called on all government tiers to create inclusive platforms that allow vulnerable groups to participate in decision-making concerning climate change and disaster management.

Participants at the meeting, including advocates and government representatives, praised the efforts to address the unequal burden of climate change on women and girls. They emphasized enhancing support systems for individuals with disabilities, especially during natural disasters.

These discussions highlight a crucial shift in how disaster preparedness is framed, moving toward a more inclusive approach. Engaging marginalized groups not only makes policies more effective but also ensures that those most affected have a say in their futures.

For further insights into the impact of climate change on marginalized communities, you can refer to research from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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