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Women Adapt Our World

Our new publication, "Women Adapt Our World", developed in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation, highlights how young women leaders in Africa are driving innovative climate solutions to tackle climate change. Accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Nikita Abuya, this piece highlights why investing in women and adaptation is crucial for building a resilient, sustainable future.

Our new publication, "Women Adapt Our World", developed in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation, highlights how young women leaders in Africa are driving innovative climate solutions to tackle climate change.

Accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Nikita Abuya, this piece highlights why investing in women and adaptation is crucial for building a resilient, sustainable future.

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

<strong>Women</strong><br />

<strong>Adapt</strong><br />

<strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Best practices in Climate<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation Leadership<br />

From and for Young<br />

<strong>Women</strong><br />

Ban Ki-moon Centre<br />

for Global Citizens<br />

Global Center<br />

on <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Photo: Patience Sibanda<br />

2024<br />

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v <strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Table Introof Contents<br />

v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Table of Contents Intro<br />

Table<br />

of Contents<br />

1<br />

8<br />

12<br />

14<br />

16<br />

28<br />

32<br />

Foreword<br />

Introduction<br />

From challenges...<br />

...to solutions<br />

Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ion Projects<br />

Benefits and Best Practices<br />

Manifesto: Young <strong>Women</strong> Leadership<br />

Photo: Fenwi Linda<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Foreword<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Foreword<br />

Dear Friends of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global<br />

Citizens,<br />

Climate change is the defining challenge of our<br />

era; it is impacting everyone, but it is hitting women<br />

and girls, especially in vulnerable regions, the hardest.<br />

Despite their crucial perspective in addressing<br />

this crisis, their voices are often sidelined. At the<br />

Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, under the<br />

visionary leadership of our Co-chair Ban Ki-moon,<br />

we remain committed to changing this narrative<br />

and empowering youth to lead the change.<br />

Monika Fröhler<br />

CEO, Ban Ki-moon Centre<br />

for Global Citizens<br />

<strong>Our</strong> Young <strong>Women</strong> Leadership on Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

program, supported by the Global Center on<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation (GCA), was designed in cooperation<br />

with our partners at the CARE Climate & Resilience<br />

Academy and the Vienna School of International<br />

Studies to empower young women by equipping<br />

them with the skills, knowledge, and networks<br />

needed to lead climate action. This publication,<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong>: Best Practices in Climate<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation Leadership from and for Young<br />

<strong>Women</strong>, showcases the transformative impact of<br />

this initiative that saw 60 young women from 12<br />

African countries take part in our training. They<br />

addressed climate challenges with innovative<br />

solutions, from sustainable agriculture in Kenya to<br />

urban resilience in Morocco. Their work embodies<br />

the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals<br />

(SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement, and it<br />

highlights how inclusive leadership accelerates<br />

progress towards a more equitable world. Their<br />

“Through their work, we witness<br />

the true potential of inclusive<br />

climate action that prioritizes<br />

both the planet and the<br />

most vulnerable populations.”<br />

stories demonstrate the strength and creativity of<br />

young African women in leading adaptation projects<br />

that benefit their communities and contribute<br />

to global resilience.<br />

I am deeply inspired by the innovative solutions<br />

and leadership these women have shown.<br />

Through their work, we witness the true potential<br />

of inclusive climate action that prioritizes both the<br />

planet and the most vulnerable populations. I hope<br />

these inspiring examples drive us all to continue<br />

championing gender equality and climate action,<br />

ensuring that no one is left behind in our journey<br />

towards a sustainable future.<br />

Photo: Khadijah Abdul-Samed<br />

4 5


<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Foreword<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Foreword<br />

The urgency to confront the climate crisis has never<br />

been more pressing, and Africa stands at the<br />

forefront of this challenge. Communities across<br />

the continent are grappling with increasingly severe<br />

and frequent climate shocks—droughts,<br />

floods, and extreme heat—placing millions of livelihoods,<br />

educational prospects, and well-being<br />

at risk. <strong>Women</strong> and youth, in particular, bear the<br />

greatest burden of these escalating challenges.<br />

According to GCA’s State and Trends in <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Report 2021, women make up two-thirds of the<br />

world’s 600 million small livestock managers, yet<br />

in Africa, they manage just 15% of the land. The<br />

interconnections between climate change and<br />

gender inequality are complex and pervasive. Climate-driven<br />

shortages of water, food, and energy<br />

exacerbate the hardships faced by women and<br />

girls, who must travel longer distances and bear<br />

greater costs to access these essential resources.<br />

However, amidst these trials, there is a groundswell<br />

of hope—a “youthquake” shaking the continent.<br />

Young people from Kenya to Senegal and<br />

Morocco are stepping up to lead with resilience<br />

and creativity, actively engaging in climate adaptation<br />

efforts. Yet, their vast potential remains largely<br />

untapped.<br />

In response to this context, the Global Center on<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation (GCA) and our partners are committed<br />

to driving impactful, gender-responsive climate adaptation<br />

initiatives across Africa. We understand<br />

that addressing the climate crisis isn’t solely about<br />

reducing environmental impacts—it’s about empowering<br />

the most vulnerable, particularly women<br />

and youth, to take the lead in these adaptation efforts.<br />

The Africa <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Acceleration Program<br />

(AAAP) reflects this commitment. Its flagship<br />

initiative, Empowering Youth for Entrepreneurship<br />

and Job Creation in Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation and Resilience,<br />

focuses on equipping young people with the<br />

skills and knowledge to excel in adaptation, promoting<br />

innovation and inclusive growth, fostering<br />

entrepreneurial capacity, and ensuring access to<br />

funding and mentorship for youth- and women-led<br />

businesses in the adaptation space.<br />

women from 12 African countries, preparing them<br />

to lead climate adaptation in their communities.<br />

By enhancing their leadership and technical capacities,<br />

the OET program is fostering a new generation<br />

of women leaders who are driving transformative<br />

change. These collaborations ensure that<br />

young women and youth are not just participants<br />

but leaders in building a climate-resilient Africa.<br />

This publication highlights the inspiring stories of<br />

young women leaders across Africa who are making<br />

a difference.<br />

Their journeys exemplify the<br />

transformative power of youth<br />

leadership and underscore the<br />

critical role of women in creating<br />

a climate-resilient future.<br />

Their determination is a powerful reminder of the<br />

importance of investing in and supporting young<br />

women at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts.<br />

To the young women of Africa: I encourage you to<br />

continue leading climate adaptation in your communities.<br />

Your unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives<br />

are crucial in unlocking the full potential<br />

of this continent. Together, you can build a future<br />

that is resilient in the face of climate change.<br />

<strong>Our</strong> Partner<br />

Organizations<br />

“Young women are<br />

leaders in promoting<br />

adaptation solutions<br />

and a climate-resilient<br />

future for all!”<br />

Diana Kaekebeke<br />

Coordinator, CARE Climate<br />

& Resilience Academy<br />

“Together, we empower<br />

women,<br />

communities, and<br />

our planet to thrive.”<br />

Martina Schubert<br />

Deputy Director, Vienna<br />

School of International<br />

Studies<br />

A key component of our efforts is the Online Executive<br />

Training (OET) on Young <strong>Women</strong> Leadership,<br />

developed in partnership with the Ban Kimoon<br />

Centre for Global Citizens and GCA. Since<br />

its launch, this program has empowered 60 young<br />

Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen<br />

CEO, Global Center on<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Introduction<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Introduction<br />

Introduction<br />

The Online Executive Training – Young <strong>Women</strong><br />

Leadership on Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation (OET – YWLCA)<br />

was created to address a pressing need: the inclusion<br />

of young women’s voices in climate adaptation<br />

leadership across Africa.<br />

Africa is on the front line of climate change, and<br />

although it has the world’s youngest population,<br />

its leadership remains predominantly older, and<br />

young women in particular face significant barriers<br />

to political participation. Extreme weather conditions<br />

are already a reality affecting the continent,<br />

with worse impacts expected later this century;<br />

without adaptation, progress in food security and<br />

development could be reversed. Despite the reality<br />

that young people will bear the future costs of<br />

climate change, they are too often excluded from<br />

key decisions on climate change. To prevent this,<br />

young changemakers must step into leadership<br />

roles. Therefore, the OET – YWLCA was designed<br />

to empower young women to lead in climate adaptation<br />

and address intersectional barriers to inclusion,<br />

including those based on gender and age.<br />

The training was supported by the Global Center<br />

on <strong>Adapt</strong>ation (GCA) and organized by the Ban Kimoon<br />

Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) in partnership<br />

with the CARE Climate & Resilience Academy<br />

and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. It offered<br />

a 20-week virtual program designed specifically<br />

for women aged 20 to 35 from various African<br />

countries.<br />

In 2021, the first cohort consisted of participants<br />

from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt,<br />

Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, while the<br />

second cohort in 2023 consisted of participants<br />

from Ethiopia, Malawi, Namibia, Senegal, Cameroon,<br />

and Morocco.<br />

The training combined live group sessions on<br />

Zoom with self-paced learning through videos,<br />

quizzes, and assignments on an exclusive online<br />

learning platform. Participants not only deepened<br />

their understanding of climate adaptation but also<br />

honed the leadership skills necessary for driving<br />

20 15<br />

Weeks<br />

Modules<br />

+300<br />

Learning Resources<br />

Core knowlege about<br />

Gender Sensitive<br />

Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Micro-<strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Project Development<br />

impactful change. By bringing together women<br />

from diverse African countries, the training fostered<br />

a powerful network of young leaders increasingly<br />

equipped to tackle the challenges of climate<br />

adaptation in their communities.<br />

Leadership Capacity<br />

Building<br />

Networking & Career<br />

Guidance<br />

Find out more: Online Executive Training: Young <strong>Women</strong> Leadership<br />

on Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation - Ban Ki-moon Centre<br />

8 9


<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Trainee Testimonials<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Trainee Testimonials<br />

Trainee<br />

Testimonials<br />

Louisa Chinyavu<br />

Mwenda,<br />

Kenya<br />

Jiata Ugwah Ekele,<br />

Nigeria<br />

“It has been an exciting 20 weeks as a trainee within<br />

the OET – YWLCA. Other than learning more on climate<br />

issues and specifically adaptation, I particularly loved<br />

interacting with peers who are passionate in matters<br />

that I am passionate about! I have connected with other<br />

smart and beautiful women from different parts of Africa,<br />

sharing knowledge and experience from our homes.<br />

My family and friends are proud of me being part of<br />

this program, I look forward to making a positive impact<br />

based on my YWLCA experience.”<br />

“The job shadowing assignment was great! I had career<br />

chats and gained insights into what working in the<br />

climate adaptation sector looks like. Presently, I have<br />

more understanding of the global and local effects of<br />

climate change, what climate adaptation is and how it<br />

is implemented in gender-sensitive ways. I want to sincerely<br />

thank the entire team which were involved in the<br />

process of making this training so productive.”<br />

Motia Felicia,<br />

Cameroon<br />

“I will never forget the live session on effective Pitching<br />

and Presentation skills! The practical presentation<br />

tips transformed the way I pitch my ideas, present myself<br />

and communicate with others. I gained so much<br />

self-confidence after the session.”<br />

Patience Sibanda,<br />

Zimbabwe<br />

“I gained priceless knowledge on climate crisis management,<br />

the nexus of gender, climate vulnerability,<br />

adaptation, and the pivotal role young women play in<br />

bringing attention to climate policy architecture. The<br />

career coaching was life changing for me! The key<br />

takeaway from the trainer Vumile Msweli are the 4Bs<br />

in career building; “Bona (see), Buza (ask), uBuntu (humanness),<br />

Bhadalwa (get paid)”. I can safely say that I<br />

am ready to adopt it in my community actions.”<br />

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v <strong>Women</strong> <strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

From IntroChallenges...<br />

v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

From Challenges... Intro<br />

From<br />

challenges...<br />

As the Earth’s temperatures increase, so do the<br />

costs of the climate crisis. Marginalized groups,<br />

especially those in the Global South, face greater<br />

exposure to climate risks and already suffer disproportionally<br />

from its effects. <strong>Women</strong> and girls<br />

are especially vulnerable due to systemic inequalities,<br />

and climate change has the potential to deepen<br />

these gender-based disparities.<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ing to climate change has become a necessity<br />

rather than a choice. However, young women<br />

in Africa are often excluded from decision-making,<br />

and cultural norms and lack of representation further<br />

limit their participation in leading climate adaptation<br />

efforts. At the same time, only 0.01 percent<br />

of all worldwide funding supports projects<br />

that address both climate change and women’s<br />

rights (UNDP).<br />

“Working in communities where climate<br />

change continually worsens gender inequality<br />

by destroying farmlands — the<br />

primary source of income for many women<br />

— has led to even greater hardships.<br />

I have often wondered how to address<br />

this situation. The training has provided<br />

me with the tools to do so. The course<br />

has enhanced my skills in tackling climate<br />

change issues, considering both<br />

current and future impacts, while maintaining<br />

a gender-sensitive approach to<br />

effectively build community resilience.”<br />

Fenwi Linda, Cameroon<br />

12 13


v <strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

...to Intro Solutions<br />

v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

...to Solutions Intro<br />

...to<br />

solutions<br />

Strengthening <strong>Women</strong>’s<br />

Leadership in Climate<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

A gender-sensitive approach in climate policies<br />

is urgently needed to ensure a more equitable<br />

and effective response to climate change and its<br />

effects. Including young women in climate decision-making<br />

and funding female-led projects has<br />

significant advantages, as these initiatives not only<br />

tackle intersectional challenges but also often prioritize<br />

inclusive, community-centered approaches<br />

that address both social and environmental is-<br />

sues. Young women bring unique perspectives to<br />

climate action, making their leadership crucial for<br />

effective solutions in the long term. To fully realize<br />

these benefits, we need to overcome the barriers<br />

of limited access to education, technology, and/<br />

or financial resources. By prioritizing investment in<br />

women-led initiatives, we can accelerate progress<br />

towards the SDGs and empower women to leave<br />

no one behind.<br />

“The Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Finance<br />

Module provided me with funding<br />

knowledge, alleviating my longterm<br />

worries about desperately<br />

seeking funding opportunities in<br />

climate change adaptation.”<br />

Motia Felicia, Cameroon<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Projects<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Projects<br />

Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Projects<br />

“The coaching sessions on the<br />

Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Project are a<br />

treat, the attention with which<br />

each project is followed encourages<br />

innovation and surpassing<br />

oneself! I am lucky to be one of<br />

the young African women benefiting<br />

from this training. It’s so<br />

amazing, thanks!”<br />

Muriel Fotso, Cameroon<br />

What is a MAP?<br />

A Micro <strong>Adapt</strong>ation Project (MAP) is a smallscale,<br />

solution-oriented initiative that addresses<br />

localized climate challenges and puts the trainees’<br />

learnings into practice to foster climate adaptation<br />

in their communities. The projects should “spot<br />

a challenge, find the solution” and align with the<br />

SDGs, focusing on climate action and reducing inequalities.<br />

Trainees are tasked with developing a<br />

MAP abstract, proposal, and video pitch on their<br />

proposed initiatives. By encouraging innovative,<br />

scalable, and community-driven efforts, the MAPs<br />

aim to enhance resilience among those most affected<br />

by climate change.<br />

Photo: Motia Felicia and her MAP “Regenerative<br />

Agriculture for Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation”, Cameroon<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Water<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Water<br />

Water<br />

Nancy Kadenyi, Kenya<br />

Drain to Gain (D2G)<br />

Road Runoff Harvesting for<br />

Nature-Based Farming<br />

Netsanet Taye Seid, Ethiopia:<br />

Solar Photovoltaic-Power Blox<br />

Irrigation System to Empower<br />

<strong>Women</strong> and Youth<br />

The “Solar PV with Power Blox (PBXs) Irrigation<br />

System” project tackles unemployment and limited<br />

access to energy and farmland in rural off-grid<br />

Ethiopia, focusing on empowering women, youth,<br />

and students. It provides clean, sustainable energy<br />

through solar-powered irrigation, enabling<br />

communities to increase incomes and improve<br />

food security. The project also offers training<br />

and raises awareness on gender inclusion in economic<br />

activities, fostering greater equality and<br />

resilience.<br />

Photos: Nancy Kadenyi<br />

The ASAL (arid and semi-arid lands) region in Kenya<br />

faces the dual challenge of alternating droughts<br />

and heavy rainfalls due to climate change, leading<br />

to both water scarcity and crop flooding. The Drain<br />

to Gain project addresses this by integrating sustainable<br />

land management strategies, such as road<br />

runoff water harvesting and buffering techniques,<br />

to create a landscape that acts like a sponge, naturally<br />

holding, cleaning, and draining water. This approach<br />

not only adapts to the changing climate but<br />

also educates and trains households in Makueni<br />

County on climate-smart farming techniques, aiming<br />

to build resilient communities with improved<br />

agricultural production.<br />

18<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Land<br />

v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Land<br />

Intro<br />

Land<br />

Plangnan Joseph Damshakal,<br />

Nigeria:<br />

Drain to Gain (D2G)<br />

Road Runoff Harvesting for<br />

Nature-Based Farming<br />

Drought and desertification devastate farmlands<br />

in the Sahel region of Nigeria, severely affecting<br />

agricultural productivity and livelihoods. To address<br />

this, the project restores these farmlands<br />

by planting drought-resistant desert plants and<br />

reducing deforestation for firewood through the<br />

introduction of biofuel derived from these plants.<br />

This initiative combats desertification, restores<br />

agricultural productivity, and promotes sustainable<br />

development in the region.<br />

Motia Felicia,<br />

Cameroon:<br />

Regenerative Agriculture for<br />

Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

This project supports women smallholder farmers<br />

in adapting to climate change’s impact on agriculture<br />

such as shifting weather patterns and soil<br />

degradation. By introducing regenerative agriculture<br />

practices that improve soil health, the project<br />

increases crop yields by over 50%. Through<br />

workshops, hands-on training, and the establishment<br />

of a demonstration farm, participants learn<br />

techniques such as minimal tillage and the use of<br />

organic fertilizers. Having trained over 100 women<br />

smallholder farmers, this initiative strengthens<br />

food security, supports economic stability, and enhances<br />

climate resilience, with outreach extending<br />

to 10,000 more through educational campaigns on<br />

social media. By equipping farmers with practical,<br />

sustainable methods, the project contributes to<br />

long-term agricultural improvement and community<br />

well-being.<br />

Fenwi Linda,<br />

Cameroon:<br />

Nursery Creation Training<br />

for <strong>Women</strong> Smallholder<br />

Farmers<br />

<strong>Women</strong> smallholder farmers in the Tubah Subdivision,<br />

Cameroon struggle with the severe impacts<br />

of climate change, which diminishes their financial<br />

stability and increases their vulnerability during crises.<br />

This project addresses the challenge by engaging<br />

these women in climate-smart agricultural<br />

practices, such as water conservation and sustainable<br />

farming techniques, to build their resilience<br />

and adaptive capacity. The project strengthens<br />

their financial independence and ability to withstand<br />

climate shocks. Additionally, it introduces<br />

savings groups, where women can pool resources<br />

and support each other in adopting new techniques,<br />

further enhancing their economic and social<br />

security.<br />

Photo: Motia Felicia<br />

Photo: Fenwi Linda<br />

20<br />

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v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Cities<br />

Intro<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Cities<br />

Cities<br />

Safaa Charafi, Morocco:<br />

Urban Green Infrastructure for<br />

Climate Resilience<br />

Adama Kane, Senegal:<br />

Building Climate Change Resilience<br />

in African Cities<br />

Moroccan cities face increasing climate-related challenges,<br />

such as urban heat and flooding, which threaten<br />

the well-being of inhabitants. Safaa’s project enhances<br />

climate resilience by creating urban green spaces<br />

and implementing green infrastructure interventions in<br />

three neighborhoods. Through community involvement<br />

and strategic planning, it establishes green roofs, vertical<br />

gardens, urban gardening, and permeable pavement<br />

systems. These measures mitigate urban heat,<br />

reduce flooding risks, and improve air quality, thereby<br />

contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.<br />

Climate change poses significant risks to big cities,<br />

and the role of women in building resilient urban environments<br />

is crucial. This project addresses these challenges<br />

by analyzing the capacities and limitations of<br />

urban households in constructing resilient green cities.<br />

It specifically focuses on the place of women in this<br />

process, identifying how green cities can improve their<br />

welfare. By doing so, the project contributes to climate<br />

change adaptation and the promotion of gender equity<br />

in urban planning.<br />

22<br />

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v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Alternative Intro Income<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Alternative Income<br />

Alternative Incomes<br />

Khadijah Abdul-Samed,<br />

Ghana:<br />

Beekeeping for Better Livelihoods<br />

Rachel Rudo Rebecca Chiwara,<br />

Zimbabwe:<br />

Resilient Communities and Plastic<br />

Waste Recovery<br />

Rural women in the Karanga region of Ghana face financial<br />

instability due to a lack of diversified income<br />

streams and limited knowledge of climate change adaptation.<br />

Khadijah’s project empowers these women by<br />

offering workshops that teach them how to engage in<br />

beekeeping as a sustainable business. By selling bee<br />

products, this initiative enables women to support their<br />

families, meet their basic needs, and increase their<br />

financial independence, while also enhancing their<br />

knowledge of climate change adaptation.<br />

Communities in Zimbabwe face challenges related to<br />

climate change, gender inequality, and extreme poverty.<br />

This project tackles these intersectional issues by<br />

creating resilient communities that are adaptable to<br />

the changing climate through the recovery of plastic<br />

waste. The waste is repurposed into aesthetic, durable,<br />

and environmentally friendly products. The project not<br />

only reduces plastic pollution but also provides economic<br />

opportunities for the community. This approach<br />

fosters sustainability, reduces gender inequalities, and<br />

alleviates poverty.<br />

24<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Education & Training<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Education & Training<br />

Education & Training<br />

Rahma Ibrahim,<br />

Egypt:<br />

Climate School – Awareness Raising<br />

for Journalists<br />

Climate journalists in the Middle East and North Africa<br />

often lack access to professional opportunities, such<br />

as specialized training and resources in Arabic on climate<br />

change. The Climate School project addresses<br />

this gap by providing free training on impactful media<br />

coverage and offering Arabic-language resources on<br />

climate change and adaptation. This initiative empowers<br />

journalists to produce more informed and effective<br />

climate-related content, ultimately raising awareness<br />

and driving action on climate issues in the region.<br />

Stephanie Eyram Akrumah,<br />

Ghana:<br />

Climate Change Awareness Webinar<br />

Series<br />

There is a critical need for increased awareness of climate<br />

change and its effects, particularly in relation to<br />

food security in the Global South. Stephanie’s project<br />

addresses this need through a four-part webinar series<br />

that focuses on creating awareness and sharing knowledge<br />

on climate change issues. The first webinar, titled<br />

“Addressing Barriers to Food Security,” brings together<br />

experts from various sectors to explore innovative<br />

approaches for ensuring food security, particularly in<br />

Africa, with Ghana as a test case. The project identifies<br />

practical solutions to improve food security, reduce<br />

hunger, and combat malnutrition.<br />

Baliqees Salaudeen,<br />

Nigeria:<br />

She Leads Climate Action<br />

Young women and girls in Nigeria often lack the education<br />

and empowerment needed to become active participants<br />

in climate action. The She Leads Climate Action<br />

project addresses this by offering fellowships that<br />

educate them about climate change and equip them<br />

with the skills to become climate leaders within their<br />

communities. The project has already provided twelve<br />

fellowships, including five online capacity-building sessions,<br />

and plans to recruit a second cohort in the following<br />

year, further expanding its impact.<br />

Photo: Baliqees Salaudeen<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Benefits and Best Practices<br />

from the Trainees<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Benefits and Best Practices<br />

from the Trainees<br />

Benefits and Best<br />

Practices from the Trainees<br />

The “Young <strong>Women</strong> Leadership on Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation”<br />

training program has been notably effective in equipping<br />

participants with the skills and confidence needed<br />

to address climate adaptation challenges within<br />

their communities. Several participants documented a<br />

marked improvement in their ability to lead discussions<br />

on climate adaptation, which directly resulted in greater<br />

responsibility in their workplaces. For example, one<br />

trainee was promoted to a leadership position in her<br />

organization, where she now guides climate adaptation<br />

projects. Another participant successfully founded an<br />

NGO focused on climate resilience, leveraging the project<br />

management skills and confidence gained from the<br />

training.<br />

The training’s success is evidenced by a high level of<br />

satisfaction with its practical applicability, as reflected<br />

in regular surveys. Trainees have reported immediate<br />

and impactful use of the acquired knowledge, such<br />

as applying gender-sensitive approaches and utilizing<br />

toolkits provided during the course. The program also<br />

facilitated the creation of a robust network of young female<br />

leaders across Africa, which has been instrumental<br />

in maintaining ongoing support and collaboration.<br />

Two trainees, Stephanie Eyram Akrumah and Melissa<br />

Nana Adjoa Wusua Forson, met during the first training,<br />

and today they work together at Stephanie’s Centre for<br />

Green Growth in Accra, Ghana.<br />

Overall, the program has had a substantial impact, fostering<br />

both personal and professional growth among<br />

its participants while contributing to community-level<br />

climate resilience thorough the MAPs that address local<br />

needs via educational campaigns and agricultural<br />

initiatives.<br />

Most significant benefits of the OET<br />

– YWLCA, as stated by the trainees<br />

• Training sessions: Many participants considered<br />

the live online training sessions to be the most valuable<br />

part of the training.<br />

• Feedback on MAPs:<br />

Participants received personalized feedback on<br />

their project ideas and presentations; this was<br />

highly valued and impactful.<br />

Hands-on experience of developing and implementing<br />

a MAP was also considered very beneficial.<br />

• Support from GCA, BKMC, and partner organizations<br />

was highly valued.<br />

• Networking: Many trainees continue to benefit<br />

from the networking opportunities provided during<br />

the training.<br />

• Social media/website exposure: Alumni mentioned<br />

the benefits from the exposure they received on social<br />

media and websites.<br />

• Certification after successful completion of the<br />

training: the certification was used for job or funding<br />

applications.<br />

Photo: Esther Hadassah Agaja<br />

Photo: Patience Sibanda<br />

28<br />

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v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Fund Female IntroFutures<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Fund Female Futures<br />

Fund Female Futures<br />

“When it comes to grant proposal<br />

writing: Don’t force issues. Don’t<br />

rush, panic, or push things, as this<br />

can lead to small, avoidable mistakes.<br />

Don’t get your hopes up too<br />

quickly. And if it doesn’t work out,<br />

ask for feedback and don’t be sad<br />

– see each experience as a learning<br />

process.”<br />

Nancy Kadenyi, Kenya<br />

Tips & tricks for successful funding<br />

from the OET – YWLCA trainees:<br />

• Seek training: Participate in proposal grant writingworkshops.<br />

• Leverage networks: Collaborate with well-established<br />

organizations to strengthen your proposal.<br />

Stay connected with organizations funding in your<br />

field to stay informed.<br />

• Find the right match: Ask yourself, “Is this timeline<br />

enough for a good proposal? How is the budget?<br />

Does it fit into my planned activities?” If most answers<br />

are “no,” do not waste your time.<br />

• Tailor proposals: Align your objectives with the<br />

funding organization’s goals and priorities. Under-<br />

stand the donor’s history and funded projects to<br />

craft a fitting proposal. Clearly link your project to<br />

your country’s National Action Plan or SDG targets,<br />

name specific indicators and outcomes for better<br />

impact.<br />

• Request feedback: Learn from unsuccessful attempts<br />

and seek constructive feedback. Align your<br />

promises with the available budget to avoid overcommitting.<br />

• Team alignment: Make sure you have a great team<br />

on board and roles are clearly defined.<br />

Photo: Nancy Kadenyi at her community agricultural<br />

production in Makueni County, Kenya.<br />

Photo: Khadijah Abdul-Samed<br />

30<br />

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<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Manifesto<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Manifesto<br />

Manifesto<br />

Young women Leadership<br />

on Climate <strong>Adapt</strong>ation<br />

Manifesto on Effective<br />

<strong>Women</strong> Leadership<br />

Young women leadership on<br />

climate adaptation - Online<br />

executive training<br />

The trainees of the OET – YWLCA wanted to summarize<br />

and share their most essential learnings<br />

and strategies from the program. This manifesto<br />

was written as a guide for young women leaders to<br />

navigate challenges in climate adaptation by fos-<br />

tering leadership qualities that promote resilience,<br />

excellence, empathy, and community. It encourages<br />

peers to be confident in making their voices<br />

heard while doing their best and supporting others.<br />

Resilience<br />

& Confidence<br />

Be confident to make your voice heard.<br />

Say yes to opportunities that help you<br />

grow.<br />

Knowing and developing your area of expertise<br />

will help increase your confidence.<br />

Excellence<br />

Excel at what you do.<br />

Prove yourself and focus on your work.<br />

Be strategic and utilize different tools in different<br />

situations.<br />

Be well connected and network.<br />

Empathy &<br />

Moral Compass<br />

Be emotionally intelligent and lead with<br />

empathy.<br />

Be grounded and take care of yourself.<br />

Support<br />

Create space for others and send the elevator<br />

back to support those coming after you.<br />

Mentor others when you can and have able<br />

mentors who mention your name in a room<br />

full of opportunities.<br />

Be a good listener and lead by example.<br />

Let women be at the heart of what you do.<br />

Photo: Esther Hadassah Agaja<br />

32<br />

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v <strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

Impressum Intro v<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> <strong>Our</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />

ImpressumIntro<br />

Impressum<br />

Text: Caroline Gansdorfer<br />

Graphic Design: Natalia Angel & Laura<br />

Franco-Partl<br />

Illustrations: Nikita Abuya<br />

Photography: Abdulai Fatawu, Dare Adedotun,<br />

Keith Moyo, Kum Isaac Che, Lanjo Sidonius Neindefoh,<br />

Omoyajowo Olamide Immanuel<br />

Coordination: Anna Tykhonenko, Maja Markus.<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>Adapt</strong> our <strong>World</strong> – Best practices in Climate<br />

<strong>Adapt</strong>ation Leadership” is a knowledge product<br />

under the Global Center on <strong>Adapt</strong>ation’s Youth<br />

Leadership and Education program, developed by<br />

the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens with<br />

the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

of France.<br />

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