Promoting Climate Action for Gender Justice is a transformative initiative led by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) and funded by Christian Aid. The project aims to strengthen community resilience in Nigeria by placing women and gender inclusion at the heart of climate adaptation strategies. This ambitious effort addresses the intersection between environmental degradation and gender inequality in two climate-vulnerable states—Kano and Benue.
Despite their cultural and geographic differences, both states face acute climate challenges, ranging from extreme heat and desertification in Kano to flooding and rainfall variability in Benue. The project leverages Centre LSD’s longstanding presence and gender justice advocacy work to catalyze action through a multi-stakeholder, community-first approach.
Why It Matters
In Nigeria, where over 70% of the population relies on climate-sensitive livelihoods like rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism, climate change is not a distant threat, it is a daily crisis. Women, particularly in rural areas, bear the brunt of this burden. Structural gender disparities, ranging from illiteracy and poor access to resources to political exclusion, mean women are less equipped to adapt, despite often having valuable local knowledge and leadership potential.
Recognizing this, Centre LSD is working to elevate women as climate leaders, empower communities with adaptation tools, and equip faith and traditional leaders to champion gender-just climate responses.
Project Strategy
The project employs a layered, inclusive implementation strategy:
1. Research and Evidence Building
A rapid vulnerability assessment conducted across four communities (Sabon Gari and Court Road in Kano; Wadata Rice Mill and Iniongyun in Benue) provided baseline insights. These findings shaped the project’s priorities and confirmed a widespread appetite for climate education and action, even where technical knowledge was low.
2. Sensitization and Capacity Building
Faith and traditional leaders were trained in climate change, gender justice, and women's rights. These leaders, once hesitant, are now becoming vocal advocates, integrating gender-sensitive climate messaging into sermons and traditional discourse.
3. Community Mobilization & Safe Spaces
Women’s groups (safe spaces) were established in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Cross River, and Imo states, growing into active forums for education, peer support, and cooperative climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
4. Advocacy and Policy Dialogue
Centre LSD is working with local and national stakeholders to advocate for climate policies that are both environmentally sound and socially inclusive. The project’s approach of using existing networks like the Side-by-Side Movement has allowed for seamless integration of gender and climate justice advocacy.
5. Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC)
The project uses daily infographics, podcasts, and media engagements to drive awareness on GBV and climate justice, reaching over 50,000 people through Centre LSD’s platforms.
Early Impact
Though ongoing, the project has already delivered powerful, measurable results:
1. Expanded Climate and Gender Justice Awareness
- Over 1000 new members have joined the Side-by-Side Movement nationwide, up from just ~150 at project inception.
- In Kano and Benue, sermons on gender justice have become regular features in religious spaces—a massive cultural shift in areas traditionally resistant to such conversations.
2. Concrete Commitments from Leaders
- The Inspector General of Police committed to expanding GBV desks to all police divisions across Nigeria following the project’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.
- Traditional leaders in Benue have pledged to reduce harmful practices, including FGM and elopement marriages.
- A strategy document for the Side-by-Side Movement (2025–2029) has been developed to sustain and scale this advocacy.
3. Policy Progress and Institutional Gains
- The Benue State government has designated a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), following SBS advocacy.
- Law enforcement and faith-based institutions in Kano are now referring cases directly to NAPTIP, reflecting trust and functional partnerships.
4. Economic Empowerment Through Climate Adaptation
- Women’s groups in Cross River have begun climate-smart cooperative farming activities, laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods aligned with environmental goals.
Looking Ahead
As the project continues into 2025 and beyond, Centre LSD aims to:
- Deepen its work with existing faith and traditional structures to sustain behavior change.
- Scale community adaptation projects in partnership with local women’s groups.
- Influence national-level policy through strategic research, publications, and high-level advocacy.
Conclusion
Promoting Climate Action for Gender Justice is more than a project—it’s a growing movement. With every commitment extracted, every traditional norm challenged, and every woman empowered, Nigeria moves one step closer to an inclusive, climate-resilient future.
Together, we are proving that faith, tradition, and gender justice can be powerful allies in the fight against climate change.
