March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on the challenges they continue to face. As the world marked International Women’s Day on March 8, the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly in Africa, demands urgent attention. Women across the continent are on the frontlines of climate change, bearing the brunt of its effects while often being excluded from decision-making processes. Yet, they are also at the forefront of local solutions, demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. This year’s theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”,” shows the need to amplify and empower women’s voices and integrate their leadership into climate action.
The Disproportionate Burden on African Women
Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities. In Africa, where women constitute nearly 50% of the agricultural workforce, they are disproportionately affected by climate-induced droughts, floods, and food insecurity. According to the United Nations, 80% of people displaced by climate change are women. In rural areas, women are primarily responsible for water collection, food production, and household energy, tasks that become increasingly difficult as resources dwindle.
A woman being rescued from flooded ground in western Kenya. image by John Bundi/Kenya Red Cross.
In Kenya’s arid regions, prolonged droughts have forced women to walk longer distances to fetch water, often exposing them to violence and health risks. “I used to spend three hours a day collecting water. Now, it takes six hours,” said Irene Saitoti a mother of four from Kajiado County, in an interview with ACI. “When the water sources dry up, my children go hungry, and I have to choose between feeding them or sending them to school.”
Similarly, in Malawi, erratic rainfall patterns have devastated maize crops, the staple food. Women, who make up 70% of Malawi’s agricultural labor force, are struggling to feed their families. “We used to harvest enough to last the whole year. Now, we barely have enough for three months,” said Grace Banda, a farmer from Lilongwe.
Women as Agents of Change
Despite these challenges, African women are leading local climate solutions. In Uganda, women’s groups are adopting climate-smart agriculture techniques, such as drought-resistant crops and rainwater harvesting. “We used to rely on one rainy season. Now, we grow vegetables year-round using drip irrigation,” said Sarah Nalwoga, a member of a women’s cooperative in Wakiso District.
Participants from Liberia and Malawi at the end of their six-month solar engineering course. Photo Credit: UN Women/Gaganjit Singh; flicker
In Senegal, women are restoring degraded lands through reforestation projects. “We’ve planted over 10,000 trees in the past two years. The trees provide shade, prevent soil erosion, and give us fruits to sell,” said Aissatou Diop, a community leader in Thiès. These initiatives mitigate climate change and empower women economically.
Barriers to Women’s Participation
Despite their critical role, women remain underrepresented in climate decision-making. According to the African Development Bank, only 30% of climate-related leadership roles in Africa are held by women. Cultural norms, lack of education, and limited access to resources often exclude women from participating in climate policy discussions.
In Nigeria, for example, women face significant barriers to accessing land and credit, limiting their ability to invest in climate-resilient practices. “Without land titles, we can’t secure loans to buy seeds or irrigation equipment,” said Fatima Usman, a farmer from Kano State. “We need policies that recognize women’s rights to land and resources.”
Amplifying Women’s Voices
International Women’s Month is an opportunity to amplify women’s voices and advocate for gender-inclusive climate policies. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must prioritize women’s participation in climate action. This includes ensuring women have access to education, resources, and leadership opportunities.
5 March 2025, International Women’s Day conference Belgium, Brussels
Photo credit: European Union / Giedre Daugelaite; flicker
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 recognizes the importance of gender equality in achieving sustainable development. However, more concrete actions are needed. “We need quotas to ensure women’s representation in climate negotiations,” said Dr. Fatima Denton, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa. “Women’s perspectives are essential for designing effective and equitable climate solutions.”
Women Leading the Way
In Kenya, the Green Belt Movement, founded by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, has empowered thousands of women to plant trees and restore degraded lands. “When we plant trees, we are planting hope,” said Wanjira Mathai, current director of the movement. The initiative has planted over 51 million trees, improving food security and reducing soil erosion.
Launch of the Africa Women Leadership Network (AWLN) Malawi National Chapter. Photo credit: AWLN, AU and UN Women; Flicker
In South Africa, women are leading the transition to renewable energy. The Women in Energy initiative trains women to install solar panels and energy-efficient stoves. “We’ve reduced our reliance on coal and created jobs for women,” said Nomalanga Mkhize, a project coordinator. The initiative has reached over 5,000 households, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
In Rwanda, women farmers’ cooperatives are using climate-smart techniques to boost agricultural productivity. “We’ve adopted terracing and agroforestry to prevent soil erosion,” said Josephine Uwamahoro, a cooperative member in Musanze. The cooperatives have increased crop yields by 30%, ensuring food security for their communities.
Gender-responsive policies
Investing in women is a moral imperative and a practical solution to climate change. Women’s unique knowledge and experiences make them essential partners in climate action. Governments and organizations must prioritize gender-responsive policies, ensuring women have access to resources, education, and leadership opportunities.
During this International Women’s Month, the world is celebrating the resilience and innovation of African women to amplifying their voices and integrating their leadership into climate action. As Wangari Maathai once said, “You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, unless you help them understand that these resources are their own and they must protect them.”
