Empowered Voices: How Six Inspiring Women are Transforming Climate Adaptation in Local Communities

As our planet heats up, climate change is causing serious challenges, like droughts, floods, and severe storms. Unfortunately, not everyone is affected equally. Women, especially, face tougher times. They often have more household responsibilities, less access to resources like land or loans, and are rarely involved in decisions that impact their lives.

But things are changing. Women are stepping up to lead community efforts to adapt to climate change. In both cities and rural areas, they are taking charge to manage water better, farm sustainably, and prepare for emergencies.

This surge of female leadership is showing that fighting climate change can also empower women and improve living conditions. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, let’s spotlight some women making significant strides in their communities.

A woman sitting with other women, smiling. Photo by UNEP/Miranda Rikki Tasker"/>

In Rwanda, severe floods and droughts have become more frequent, worsened by deforestation which hampers the land’s ability to manage water. With help from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, communities in Kirehe District started beekeeping to create resilience against these changes. Marine Babonampoze leads the local beekeepers, teaching them to use modern tools to boost their honey production and restore over 600 hectares of land for bees to thrive. By working together, the cooperative helps reduce the impacts of extreme weather while increasing their honey yield.

A woman standing in a field, smiling. Photo by UNEP/Florian Fussstetter"/>

Ahumwire Justine, a banana farmer in Uganda, faced a devastating storm that destroyed her crops and left her without insurance. In response, a new digital crop insurance program has emerged, allowing farmers to document their crops and report damages through their smartphones. Justine, a leading farmer in this movement, helps other smallholders—many of whom are women—navigate this technology. This system provides financial security and builds resilience among Uganda’s banana farmers, who play a vital role in the nation’s economy.

In the Philippines, after a catastrophic storm in 2016, chef Louise Mabulo discovered how resilient cacao trees could be. This realization led her to create The Cacao Project, where she trains farmers in agroforestry and has planted over 150,000 cacao trees. Her project not only helps restore the environment but also empowers communities to withstand future storms.

Group of women holding tree seedlings. Photo by Anti Rohey Ceesay "/>

In Gambia, Anti Rohey Ceesay is addressing climate-induced flooding. After establishing weather stations in her area with support from the Global Environment Facility, she travels to villages sharing crucial weather alerts. Ceesay engages her community through climate theatre performances to educate people about climate change. Thanks to her efforts, fewer lives have been lost to climate-related disasters.

Woman weaving in the doorway of her home. Photo by UNEP/Lisa Murray "/>

In Madagascar, rice farmer Vivienne Rakotoarisoa has turned to cultivating drought-resistant ramboa reeds, which she transforms into mats and baskets. Although ramboa is not edible, it provides a stable income even when rice fails. With funding, Vivienne and her neighbors gain new skills, ensuring a sustainable livelihood amidst unpredictable rainfall.

In Xalapa, Mexico, homemaker Michelle Delgado participated in workshops aimed at reforesting areas affected by climate change. Together with other women, she nurtured trees to restore the region and protect against disasters. This initiative also broke down gender stereotypes, allowing women to take active roles in community decision-making.