Minister Harps on Women’s Participation in Climate Actions for Innovative Solutions

*Mulls introduction of women to green economy next year

Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman, has said that women participation in climate change actions will serve as catalyst for innovative solutions in Nigeria.

The minister stated this at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, held in Riyadh on Wednesday, stating that investing in women is sound investment.

According to her, evidence from various projects across the world have shown that when women are given access to credit and finance, skills training, and resources, they invest in ways that enhance food security, increase family income, and foster community resilience.

She said the Women Ministry under her leadership, in line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will introduce women to front the green economy programme next year to mitigate global warming.

She added that Women, under the program will be engaged in Planting 10 Million Economic Trees and Plants, including the Nopal Cactus Cladodes which is known for its ability to combat desertification and enhance soil fertility for agricultural use.

Such plants, the Minister said, will provide sustainable social and economic benefits along the value chain, including income generation opportunities, empower one million in climate smart agriculture, transition one million households to Clean Cooking Energy, support 1000 Female -Owned Startups involved in climate friendly businesses, among others.

“The challenges of land degradation and desertification extend beyond environmental concerns; they threaten the very fabric of our communities, economies, and health. Across Nigeria, the impact of land degradation is felt acutely across the 6 Geopolitical Zones, creating a terrible cycle of poverty and insecurity.

“As the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, I recognize the vital role women play in sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Climate Change is also women’s business.

“Therefore empowering women to participate in Climate Action is a catalyst for innovative solutions and community resilience. I am here to tell you that if we are to win this fight and slow down or reverse some of the effects of climate change, we must provide women with platforms and tools to participate, contribute and drive these solutions that the World urgently needs to meet the relevant sustainable development Goals.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to demonstrate our government’s commitment to addressing climate change and established a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative, a strategic measure to address climate change challenges in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s women make up over 50% of the population, while over 70% of agricultural activities are done by women. This means that we have the numbers and the willingness to tap into the opportunities provided by the green economy.

“Investing in women is always sound investment. Evidence from various projects across the world have shown that when women are given access to credit and finance, skills training, and resources, they invest in ways that enhance food security, increase family income, and foster community resilience.

“At this juncture, I am excited to share that the ministry of Women Affairs is ready to take significant steps towards a sustainable future within these frameworks.

“We have committed to the establishment of a climate Division in the Ministry to coordinate and drive sustainable gender- responsive and age sensitive climate actions.

“We will also engage Women in Planting 10 Million Economic Trees and Plants including the Nopal Cactus Cladodes which is known for its ability to combat desertification and enhance soil health. Such plants provide sustainable social and economic benefits along the value chain, including income generation opportunities.

“Empower 1 million in climate smart agriculture, transition of 1 million households to Clean Cooking Energy, Support 1000 Female -Owned Startups involved in climate friendly businesses, train 500,000 Women on Agro Processing, train and Equip 2,000 Community-based Female Climate Champions to support data collection and sensitization across all communities of concern”

“We believe that with sincere and balanced collaborations and support from our communities, other nations, the UN systems, Donor Bodies, Financial Institutions, INGOs, NGOs, and sister MDAs, we can drive the Women in green economy program to success and in 3 years; will drastically enhance the quality of life of millions of women and children.

“We remain steadfastly committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will ensure full alignment with existing policy frameworks.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I can assure you that Nigerian Women are ready to leverage their capacities to nourish, replenish and safeguard our world for our children and the generations to come,” Hon. Imaan added.