Empowering Women to Lead the Charge in Climate Action: The Urgent Call for Change

Women must play a bigger role in fighting climate change. This message came through loud and clear at the recent Women in Climate Change Action Conference at Makerere University Business School in Kampala.

Margret Athieno Mwebesa, an expert in climate change from the Ministry of Water and Environment, highlighted that having more women in leadership can make a real difference. “Women can influence budgets to better serve their communities,” she pointed out. Unfortunately, a lack of female representation in decision-making has limited access to essential climate adaptation funds for women.

Women are often the hardest hit during climate crises like floods and droughts. Mwebesa noted, “When there’s heavy rain, it’s the women who are seen running with children, searching for food and shelter. Their challenges often go unheard in key meetings.”

The conference, organized by Women in Climate Change Action (WICCA), focused on empowering women to lead climate initiatives. The theme was clear: “Women Leading Climate Action: From Local Solutions to Global Policy and Innovation.” The aim was to ensure women’s voices shape a fair and resilient future.

Many women at the conference shared their creative responses to climate challenges. Sarah Kezia Nambalirwa from WICCA expressed the importance of sustainable practices. “We want to avoid the environmental degradation seen in other countries. We focus on waste management and eco-friendly solutions,” she said.

Yet, Nambalirwa stressed that many still don’t understand climate change and its impact on their lives. “People think climate change is only about cutting down trees, but it’s much broader. We need to educate everyone about these issues,” she added.

Dr. Pablo Martinez from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) echoed these sentiments, stating that they are committed to supporting businesses that prioritize the environment. They provide mentorship and training, while also helping to shape policies that include women in climate efforts.

Recent studies show that countries with higher female leadership in climate policy tend to have more effective environmental strategies. For example, a report by the World Economic Forum highlights that women often bring unique perspectives that can improve community resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Engaging women in climate action isn’t just a matter of equity; it’s essential for effective responses to climate change. By investing in women’s leadership and understanding, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

This growing movement highlights the urgent need for inclusion in climate policy. As more women step into leadership roles, they will help create solutions that benefit everyone.



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Climate action, Environment, Climate change,