A call has been made to local governments in the Niger Delta region to adopt a climate change framework aimed at addressing the challenges posed by environmental degradation. The appeal was made by Dr. Emem Okon, the founder and Chief Executive Director of Kabetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, during the 2023 Niger Delta Women Day of Action for Environmental Justice in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Emem Okon emphasized the urgent need for communities to have a structured approach to tackle the climate change crisis. She stressed the importance of local governments adopting a climate change framework as a vital step towards accessing green climate finance. According to her, this will enable the communities to effectively respond to the environmental challenges they face.
Highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, Dr. Emem Okon underscored the significance of integrating a gender perspective into climate action plans. She called for the localization of the national gender policy in all the states, emphasizing that such a move would enhance women’s participation in the socio-economic and political development at the local level. In her view, the localization of the national gender policy by the local governments would help challenge the prevailing patriarchal structures in the communities.
During her keynote speech titled “Women and Ecosystem Restoration,” Professor Roibito Ekpiken-Ekanem of Cross River State University emphasized the need for women to have access to funding for ecosystem restoration. She stressed that for the ecosystem to be effectively restored, women’s voices must be amplified, and they should have equitable access to financial resources.
Mr. Tijani Ahmed, the country director of Oxfam, a donor agency and key supporter of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, expressed Oxfam’s commitment to partnering with the NGO. He highlighted the importance of acknowledging the pivotal role of gender equality in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
The 2023 Niger Delta Women Day of Action for Environmental Justice was centered on the theme, “Building a Feminist Economy for Ecosystem Restoration in the Niger Delta.” The event provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for addressing climate change and promoting gender equality within the region.
As the clamour for environmental justice gains momentum, the onus is on the local governments in the Niger Delta to heed the call to adopt a climate change framework. This holistic approach will not only facilitate access to essential resources but also empower women to actively contribute to the restoration and sustainable development of their communities. It is imperative for policymakers and stakeholders to recognise the intertwined nature of climate change and gender equality, and work towards implementing frameworks that encompass both aspects to effectively address the environmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.
