Gender equality is a global issue. One that requires unique approaches which are carefully curated to fit the needs of the multiple peoples, cultures and geographies in which they are placed. There are, however, some common threads to gender equality, which include access to education, to healthcare, to a livelihood, to safety and to a certain degree of autonomy. Whilst great strides have been taken across the world to improve women and girl’s access to all these crucial aspects of life, climate change is threatening the advancement of equality and endangering the lives of women and girls across the globe.

Today the sight of solar panels on the roofs of homes, universities and even businesses is becoming increasingly common. Yet, many remain confused by how solar panels work and continue to feel discouraged from introducing them into their energy supply chain due to the high price tag associated with installation. Uptake has been gradual, and their effectiveness remains questionable in countries such as the UK where temperamental weather patterns are at play. However, in nations and regions that experience steady sunshine solar panels can provide green energy, sustainable jobs, additional income from power sold back into the national grid, and access to electricity for remote communities who were previously living off grid.

Women have been the strength and stay of many African Nations throughout history as warriors, mothers, matriarchs, freedom fighters and now politicians, NGO workers and climate activists. The disenfranchised, poor, and repressed image of African women and girls often portrayed in global media could not be further from the truth for many amazing women who are taking their place in what was and to some extent remains a patriarchal society in almost every nation across the continent. The strength of these women to defy traditional gender roles and seek a career and voice outside of the home evidences at least in part the importance of their role in politics and in particular their steering of the climate policies to come. In a region which is already experiencing the grave impacts of climate change in the form of drought, desertification, forced migration, etc. the inevitable loss of life, livelihoods and futures are often felt most deeply by women due to the systemic gender inequalities which are so deeply rooted in African society. This does not mean however that these women are either powerless or vulnerable as many have weathered far greater storms and when given the opportunity will exhibit far greater resilience to disasters and crises than their male counterparts. 

Climate news can often leave one feeling despondent about the future of our natural world. As great tree's that have seen more of history than a mere human could ever hope to are felled to meet the short-term needs of a greedy society and plastic chokes our oceans, destroying ecosystems which have existed untouched for thousands of years, the consequences of our presence on this planet continue to be truly catastrophic and yet hope remains as is evidenced both in the small and larger acts that can be identified if we look hard enough.

According to the United Nations… 18% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced some type of physical and/ or sexual abuse and in 30 countries globally, genital mutilation is happening to 1 in 3 girls aged 15 to 19. This is not only a women’s issue, this is an issue for humanity. SDG #5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.