Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that 80% of climate change victims are women and children, urging for targeted interventions. She highlighted the vital role women play in agriculture and the necessity of empowering them for sustainable practices. The minister also discussed severe socio-economic impacts of climate change in Nigeria, commending government initiatives while calling for international support to bolster women’s involvement in finding solutions.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, has emphasized that 80 percent of the individuals adversely affected by climate change are women and children. Addressing this urgent issue, the minister called for enhanced investment aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change on these vulnerable demographics during her remarks at the ongoing UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The minister highlighted the significant contributions of women to global food systems, noting that they are responsible for 70 percent of food processing and constitute 60 percent of smallholder farmers worldwide. She articulated the necessity of empowering women to engage in land restoration efforts and sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored the health risks associated with traditional cooking methods utilized by many women. She referenced research indicating that women who rely on wood or charcoal for cooking inhale the equivalent of approximately 40 cigarette sticks per meal, which poses grave health challenges and diminishes life expectancy.
In Nigeria, where women represent over 50 percent of the populace and undertake 70 percent of agricultural activities, enhancing their capacity aligns with fostering a robust green economy. The minister stated, “With their numbers and willingness to adapt, women are well-positioned to harness opportunities in the green economy.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also detailed the far-reaching socio-economic impacts of land degradation and desertification across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. She pointed out the exacerbated conflict in the Northeast, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin, which has displaced millions and heightened the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, forced marriages, and disrupted education for women and children. In the Northwest, desertification threatens agriculture and water resources, while rising sea levels and flooding devastate communities in the Southern regions, especially the Niger Delta. The Southeast endures severe gully erosion, resulting in significant displacement and economic losses.
Commending the Nigerian government’s proactive climate initiatives, she acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts, including the implementation of the Climate Change Act, the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the launch of the Energy Transition Plan. Additionally, she referenced the unveiling of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Framework for 2023-2030, aimed at innovative climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the necessity of the Climate Gender Policy in empowering women within climate actions, asserting that “Empowering women to participate in climate action catalyses innovative solutions and builds community resilience.” She appealed to international organizations and development partners to furnish women with the tools and platforms necessary for combatting climate change, advocating that “if we are to reverse the effects of climate change, women must be at the forefront, driving sustainable solutions to achieve the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.” The UNCCD COP16 continues to convene global leaders, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to addressing desertification and fostering inclusive climate action.
The article centers on the critical impact of climate change on women and children, as stated by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim during her address at the UNCCD COP16. It highlights the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable groups and emphasizes the pivotal roles women play in agricultural and ecological systems. By noting the challenges faced by women due to traditional cooking methods and the socio-economic impacts of land degradation, the article underscores the need for targeted interventions and investments. This context is essential for understanding the minister’s advocacy for women-led solutions to climate challenges and the government’s commitment to supportive policies.
The statements made by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim reveal the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the unique vulnerabilities of women and children in the context of climate change. With women playing a crucial role in agriculture and the green economy, their empowerment is vital for fostering sustainable practices and resilience against climate impacts. The Nigerian government’s initiatives suggest a proactive approach to combatting these challenges, yet the active participation and support of international partners are equally important for achieving meaningful progress.
Original Source: businessday.ng
