Zambia Climate Change Network (ZCCN) International Women’s Day Celebration

In anticipation of International Women’s Day, yesterday, the Zambia Climate Change Network, led by its Coordinator, Ms. Lydia Chibambo, participated in a discussion hosted by Litovia TV station.

This programme aimed at examining climate change and explore the way forward with women and girls by promoting their equal participation in climate action. It also sought  to highlight the valuable contributions they make in the climate change space while emphasizing the importance of behavioral change in driving positive actions for a more sustainable future.

The conversation also featured Jessica Mwanzia, the Climate Finance and Gender Lead at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Secretariat and Jonathan Nkhata, the ZCCN Climate change Ambassador. They emphasised the critical role of women in tackling climate change and advancing gender equality. The panelists highlighted the importance of increased awareness and education regarding climate issues, particularly within the Zambian education system.

 In these discussions, the two speakers focused on the following key points about the topic:

1. Women and Climate Change: Their discussion emphasized that women play a critical role in climate activities and are often at the forefront of advocating for climate justice. It was stressed that women are seen as custodians of land and resources, facing unique challenges due to climate change.
2. Empowerment and Education: Jessica and Lydia Chibambo highlighted the importance of empowering women through education and access to information about climate change. They noted that women often take on the role of educators within their families and communities, disseminating knowledge about sustainable practices. Hence their empowerment is key.
3. Community Engagement: while the celebration of the day this year  is about  acerating action, the discussion was an opportunity for discussants to call for increased engagement among women to share experiences and knowledge about climate change impacts. This includes visiting communities to understand how climate change affects different groups.
4. Sustainable Practices: The conversation touched on the need for women to adopt and promote sustainable energy practices, such as using renewable energy sources instead of charcoal, which contributes to environmental degradation.
5. Role Models: Women are described as role models within their households, influencing not just children but the entire family to adopt positive behaviors toward climate action.
6. Challenges: The speakers acknowledge the challenges women face, including limited access to information and resources, which can hinder their ability to effectively engage in climate action.