Women’s leadership in the fight against climate and environmental crises in Africa is essential to promote effective, sustainable and inclusive solutions. The continent’s women, often on the front lines of the impacts of climate change, play a crucial role in natural resource management, agriculture and community resilience. Their involvement in local, regional and international decision-making bodies is fundamental to ensuring that climate policies consider the needs and perspectives of women, who are often the most affected by these crises.
Women leaders, whether they are decision-makers, political leaders or community representatives, bring innovative and collaborative approaches to solving environmental problems. They support strategies that integrate local and endogenous knowledge, agroecological practices and community resource management initiatives. Additionally, they advocate for equitable and resilient climate policies, contributing to the development of adaptation and mitigation plans that consider the social and economic dimensions of climate change.
However, these women leaders face many challenges, including a lack of recognition, funding and institutional support, as well as socio-cultural barriers to their participation. To improve their impact, it is essential to create enabling environments, strengthen their capacities and guarantee their access to decision-making bodies.