Women Leading the Charge Against Climate Change

By EMAMEH GABRIEL

The last decaded have seen women emerged as maestros, conducting a web of change that resonates across continents. This was the resounding theme at the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) side event, “Empowering Women as Global Leaders in the Struggle for Climate Change,” held on 13th March 2025 at the Apella Conference Center in New York.

Against the backdrop of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the event was not just a gathering but a celebration of the indomitable spirit of women who are rewriting the narrative of climate action.

The African continent, often described as the cradle of humanity, now finds itself on the frontlines of a crisis it did little to create. Climate change, like a relentless storm, has swept across its lands, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation, droughts that parch the earth, floods that swallow homes, and winds that uproot lives. Yet, amidst this turmoil, women have risen like towering baobabs, their roots deep in resilience, their branches reaching for solutions.

Dr. Maryam Shetty, a Nigerian politician and advocate for women’s empowerment, was among the luminaries at the event. For her, the gathering was more than a discussion; it was a clarion call to action.

Reflecting on the event, she said, the event highlighted the critical role women play in addressing climate change. By fostering connections among female leaders from diverse fields, politics, economics, technology, and culture they can champion health, beauty, and love while advocating for the most vulnerable in our communities.

The event paid homage to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, frameworks that envision a world where gender equality and sustainability are not ideals but realities. It was a stage where the voices of women, often muted in the corridors of power, echoed with clarity and conviction. From politics to technology, economics to culture, women from diverse fields came together, united by a common purpose: to champion health, beauty, and love in the face of adversity.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the appearance of Madam Annie Huang, CEO and President of the Madam World Foundation and the first blind individual to summit Mount Everest. Her journey, a story packed with the power of perseverance and inspiration.

Equally unforgettable was the stirring speech by Mama Africa, whose words flowed like a river, carving paths of hope and determination. She spoke of the need for unity, for collective action, and for a world where the most vulnerable are not left behind. Her presence was a living embodiment of the strength and grace that women bring to the fight against every odds.

Dr. Shetty, moved by Huang’s story, remarked: “I had the incredible opportunity to meet some truly inspiring people, including Madam Annie Huang, the CEO and President of the Madam World Foundation, and the first blind individual to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Mama Africa’s spectacular appearance and moving speech would be hard to forget anytime soon.

“The said event mainstreamed this gendered narrative and the agency of women as global leaders of change in the drive for both adaptation and mitigation in the continent. Best practices were discussed in the quest for mitigating climate change and water disasters.

The event was not just a platform for dialogue but a crucible for innovation. Best practices for mitigating climate change and water disasters were shared, each one a gem of wisdom forged in the fires of experience. From sustainable agriculture to renewable energy, from community-led initiatives to policy advocacy, the solutions presented were as diverse as the women who championed them.

For Dr. Shetty, the event was a reaffirmation of her own journey. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am most honoured and humbled to be identified as one of such global leaders.” She added,

“The event reinforced the importance of mainstreaming women’s agency in climate action and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level of decision-making

Like these ancient trees, women in Africa, like Dr. Maryam Shetty, and beyond have stood firm against the winds of adversity, their roots anchored in resilience, their branches offering shelter and sustenance. They are the custodians of knowledge, the nurturers of communities, and the architects of change.

Yet, the journey is far from over. The storm of climate change continues to rage, and the path ahead is fraught with challenges. But as the ARDN event demonstrated, women are not just weathering the storm; they are harnessing its power to drive transformation.

As the evening drew to a close, the message was clear: the fight against climate change is not just a battle for survival; it is a symphony of resilience, a melody of hope, and a chorus of voices united in purpose. And at its heart are women; leaders, innovators, and visionaries, who are not just shaping the future but ensuring that it is one worth living in.

In the words of Dr. Maryam Shetty, at the sideline of the event, “We are the weavers of a new narrative, one where the threads of gender equality and sustainability are intertwined, creating the balance of hope for generations to come.”