By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
International Alert, a global Non-Governmental Organisation, has launched the Women in Climate Change Leadership Platform in Benue State, North Central Nigeria Nigeria, with the goal of addressing climate-related issues affecting women in the state.
At the inauguration, pioneer chairperson of the Women in Climate Change Leadership Platform, Blessing Azaagee emphasised the importance of gender inclusion in climate change initiatives.
She highlighted the challenges faced by women due to the impact of climate change, such as lack of funding, absence of supportive legislation, and vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate-related events like attacks on communities by herdsmen.
Azaagee stressed the need for a climate change bill to be passed in Benue State to address these imbalances and support women’s empowerment.
She also pointed out specific effects of climate change on women, including gender-based violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
The platform aims to empower women at the grassroots level by sharing knowledge, engaging with stakeholders, and providing support to community-level initiatives.
She encouraged participants to mentor each other and younger women to promote awareness and adoption of climate adaptation practices.
Inaugurating the platform, Project Officer, International Alert, Mr. Kengkeng Ati highlighted the platform’s role as a collaborative space for women to address peculiar climate challenges collectively.
He expressed optimism about the platform’s sustainability plan, which aims to maintain its activities even after initial funding ends.
The Women in Climate Change Leadership Platform in Benue State seeks to empower women to advocate for their rights and resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
