In the face of climate change, many communities face growing challenges. Women, in particular, often bear the brunt of these issues. They work hard to secure food, water, and well-being for their families, yet their voices are frequently left out of important environmental decisions. Empowering women in climate action is not just fair; it also leads to better results.
The Global EbA Fund is changing this. By supporting projects that blend ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) with gender inclusivity, it’s helping communities build a more resilient future. This includes creating spaces for women to share their knowledge and priorities, ensuring that climate solutions are both fair and rooted in real-world circumstances.
This International Women’s Day, let’s highlight several projects from the Global EbA Fund that show how women’s rights and leadership can lead to meaningful change.
Nepal: Women in Action
In the Bagmati River basin, Heifer International and local partners are championing community-led adaptation through their project, Building Agroforestry-based Adaptation Plans for Resilient Floodplains. They’ve set up EbA Forums, bringing together communities and government officials. These forums prioritize gender inclusivity, giving women a voice in important decisions about land use and flood management. As a result, women have influenced vulnerability assessments and land-use plans, ensuring local needs are addressed.
Bangladesh: Tackling Water Challenges
In Southwest Bangladesh, the project Tides are Changing: A People’s Plan is focused on tidal river management. Local groups have conducted gender analyses to understand how climate issues hit women differently. They found that chronic waterlogging creates extra pressure on women who juggle many responsibilities. By using these insights to develop a community plan, the project aims for a more balanced approach to managing resources.
Ecuador: Empowering Livelihoods
In Ecuador’s Chongón-Colonche region, Fondazione ACRA is fostering climate resilience through its project, EbA in the Dry Forest Ecological Corridor. The project has actively included women by bringing workshops directly to communities, allowing more than 70% female attendance. Women have helped shape various initiatives, from sustainable farming practices to traditional water storage, reinforcing both their economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Vietnam: Women’s Perspectives on Water Solutions
In Vietnam, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is working with local partners to address water-related climate risks through its project on managing water resources. They foster village discussions where women can share their experiences around water management, vital since many families depend on these supplies. Direct input from women is shaping practical solutions, such as community-managed aquifer recharge systems, ensuring that their needs are met.
Vanuatu: Harnessing Traditional Knowledge
Meanwhile, in Vanuatu, the Earthwatch Australia Institute is leading the ClimateWatch initiative, which combines traditional knowledge with modern climate data. The project prioritizes women’s involvement by initially consulting within women’s networks. This ensures that their insights shape local climate monitoring efforts, making their knowledge central to community adaptation strategies.
Why This Matters
Across diverse regions, these projects illustrate how crucial gender-inclusive approaches are in adapting to climate challenges. Engaging women leads to better decision-making and stronger communities. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s clear that empowering women is key to creating resilient futures. When women have a say in climate action, both people and ecosystems benefit.
For more on these initiatives and the importance of gender in climate action, check out resources from reputable organizations like IUCN and the United Nations.
