Empowering Africa’s Climate Leaders: A Latest Generation of Women Adapting to a Changing World
The Global Center on Adaptation is spotlighting the crucial role of young women in leading climate adaptation efforts across Africa. A webinar, scheduled ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2026, will convene young leaders from Algeria, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Republic of Congo, and South Africa to share experiences and forge collaborative pathways.
Why Young Women are Vital to Climate Resilience
The climate crisis disproportionately impacts women and children, with increased vulnerability during extreme weather events due to limited access to resources and decision-making power. In many African communities, women are primarily responsible for securing food, water, and fuel, making them acutely sensitive to the effects of drought and erratic rainfall. This vulnerability is often compounded by increased risks of gender-based violence as climate change exacerbates existing inequalities.
However, this frontline position also uniquely positions women as agents of change. Their intimate knowledge of local ecosystems and resource management practices makes them invaluable in developing effective adaptation strategies.
Webinar Focus: Sharing Experiences and Building Networks
The upcoming webinar, designed for the African Youth Adaptation Network (comprising 51 African countries as of 2026), aims to celebrate and amplify the voices of these young leaders. The 90-minute event will feature a panel discussion with representatives from Algeria (Meriem Lambahbah, Association Cultural Marjane), South Africa (Lesedi Gaonewe, CorpsAfrica), Republic of Congo (Claude Aleyda Fila Diafouka, Youth Empowerment Engaged to Protect Environment), Equatorial Guinea (Anastasia Amor Ñengono NKOGO ABESO, Federación de las Organizaciones de Mujeres Emprendedoras de Guinea Ecuatorial), Comoros (Faida khadidja Idaroussi, Réseau climat Océan Indien (RCOI)), and Morocco (Soukaina Koumani, CorpsAfrica Morocco).
Panelists will share their journeys into the climate space, the challenges they’ve faced, their needs, opportunities they’ve identified, and recommendations for greater female engagement in adaptation initiatives. The webinar will also include working groups focused on practical tools and experiences for youth leadership in gender-responsive climate adaptation.
Agenda Highlights & Key Discussion Points
The webinar’s agenda includes an opening video on the connection between gender and climate, opening remarks from Adriana Valenzuela (Youth Leadership and Education team lead), and contributions from additional speakers including Glory Emmanuella Appiah (Ghana Youth Environmental Movement, Ghana), Katrina Khan Roberts (CEO of Metrina Marine Minded Network, Trinidad and Tobago), Lydia Porkpah (Liberian Youth for Climate Actions, Liberia), Elgin Créa (SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH), Seychelles), and Tatiana Balagazi (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Guiding questions for discussion will center on lessons learned from young women leaders and the role all young people can play in fostering gender inclusion in climate adaptation. Working groups will explore challenges women face in climate leadership and identify practical tools to overcome them.
The Objective: From Lessons Learned to Concrete Action
The overarching objective is to disseminate practical tools, share lessons learned, and create a platform for networking and mentorship. This aims to foster concrete collaborations, capacity building, and youth-led initiatives that drive climate resilience across the continent.
Did you know?
Women and children are 14 times more vulnerable than men during extreme weather disasters, largely due to limited access to information and resources.
FAQ
- Who should attend this webinar? This event is specifically designed for members of the African Youth Adaptation Network.
- What is the duration of the webinar? The webinar will last 90 minutes.
- How can I contact the organizers? You can reach Adriana Valenzuela, Youth Leadership and Education Team Lead, at [email protected].
For more information about the webinar, visit the Global Center on Adaptation website.
