By Jonathan Eze
Every COP represents a critical moment in international progress and cooperation—an opportunity to align and forge collective action around a shared purpose. But each also acts as a reminder that time is running out to combat the worst effects of climate change, especially on women and children.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim made submissions at the conference that took place at Baku, Azerbaijan between November 11 to November 22 during the roundtable session on Bridging the Gender Gap: Scaling up international partnership’s for Africa’s Clean Development Drive in an Uncertain World organised by the African Business Roundtable.
Most remarkable was her charge to international partners to invest in gender-specific programs that empower women in clean development sectors.
She sought intentional partnerships to close the $42 billion financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa, as estimated by the African Development Bank.
By aligning global resources with Africa’s development priorities, the Minister, who is always passionate about women and children, asserted that women should not just be participants but leaders in the clean development drive.
According to her, bridging the gender gap is not only a moral imperative but also an economic and environmental necessity.
She noted that women are central to Africa’s clean development agenda. “As resource managers, energy users, and community leaders, women play a critical role in driving sustainable solutions. Yet, the gender gap limits their full participation and potential contributions.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim armed her presentation with empirical and statistical evidence pointing out the Gender Gap in Africa’s Development Context.
According to her, “In sub-Saharan Africa, women account for 70% of the agricultural workforce but hold less than 20% of land ownership rights. This limits their ability to adopt clean, sustainable agricultural practices.
“Over 62% of the world’s extreme poor women reside in SSA, compounding their vulnerability to climate challenges.
Women represent just 13% of the workforce in renewable energy sectors globally, reflecting a significant gap in opportunities within emerging clean industries. ”
According to the Minister, when women are excluded, development slows, and t that approximately 6% of Africa’s GDP is lost annually due to the gender gap.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Bridging the Gender Gap
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that Nigeria has prioritized gender-responsive policies in clean energy and climate resilience.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs is driving initiatives to empower women in renewable energy through vocational training programs, financial inclusion schemes, and access to clean energy technologies like solar home systems.
We are collaborating with international partners to expand women’s access to financing for clean development projects, particularly in rural communities where the reliance on traditional energy sources is highest.
“Programs like the Nigeria for Women Project have already impacted over 67,000 women, providing them with resources to adopt sustainable livelihoods and energy solutions.
“The Role of International partnerships are key to unlocking women’s potential in clean development. By directing more resources to women-led initiatives, we can scale up community-level solutions that drive sustainable progress.
“Evidence shows that women reinvest 90% of their income back into their families and communities, making them essential agents of sustainable development.
“We need partnerships that prioritize technology transfer, equipping women with tools and skills to lead in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green entrepreneurship.
“Global partnerships must also support the integration of gender perspectives into national and regional clean development policies, ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making spaces.”
The objective of COP29 focused on the need to “invest today to save tomorrow.” Innovative solutions to the challenges of climate finance, adaptation and resilience, nationally determined contributions, and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement are desperately needed.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting millions worldwide. However, its impact is not felt equally across all populations. Women and children, in particular, bear the brunt of climate-related vulnerabilities, exacerbating existing social, economic, and health disparities.
Women, especially in developing countries, are more vulnerable to climate change due to limited access to resources, education, and decision-making power. Climate-related changes in agriculture, water scarcity, and natural disasters increase women’s workload, compromising their health, well-being, and economic empowerment. Moreover, women’s reproductive health is severely affected by climate-related stress, displacement, and lack of healthcare.
Children, too, suffer greatly from climate change. Rising temperatures, more frequent natural disasters, and changing disease patterns threaten their health, education, and safety. Climate-related stress and trauma impact children’s mental well-being, compromising their cognitive development and future prospects.
Indigenous women and children, low-income communities, and those with disabilities face compounded vulnerabilities. Climate change threatens traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage, and already-strained economic resources. The intersection of climate change with existing inequalities exacerbates social and economic disparities.
Climate-related displacement and stress increase risks of gender-based violence, exploitation, and trafficking. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with girls facing higher risks of child marriage, early pregnancy, and sexual exploitation.
To mitigate the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children, several strategies were recommended.
“These include Climate-resilient agriculture training for women to enhance food security and economic empowerment.
“Disaster risk reduction and response planning through prioritizing women’s and children’s needs.
“Renewable energy access to reduce energy poverty and improve health.
“Climate finance addressing women’s and children’s specific needs.
“Increased representation in climate policy and decision-making among others.”
Global agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC Gender Action Plan, and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), recognise the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children. Effective implementation and coordination among governments, international organizations, and civil society are crucial.
Conclusion: Climate change disproportionately affects women and children, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. Addressing these disparities requires a gender-sensitive and child-centered approach to climate policy, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of these populations.
By prioritizing climate resilience, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, we can mitigate the impact of climate change on women and children, building a more equitable
and sustainable future.
I call on world leaders, heads of governments, climate change stakeholders, and development partners, among others, to rise and empower and elevate women and children as the most vulnerable beyond COP29.
_Eze is a media aide to Honourable Minister of Women Affairs_