Reported By Doose Johanna Hannu
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network, a leading civil society organisation dedicated to sustainable development in Nigeria, actively participated in a two-day stakeholders Workshop organised by the Kukah Centre‘s workshop on gender, climate change, and conflict.
The workshop took place on 27th-28th of March, 2024 Rock view Hotel Royale Abuja, Nigeria.
The aim of the workshop was aimed at enhancing understanding and strategic responses to the intricate intersections of gender, climate change, and conflict in Nigeria by convening stakeholders from diverse sectors including representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Youth Groups, and the Media.
Participants engaged in discussions, collaborative activities, and strategic planning sessions to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and formulate evidence-based strategies.
Executive Director, the Kukah Centre, gave his welcome remarks expressing his delight to the participants.
Fr. Barkindo highlighted, the different narratives surrounding climate change underscore its relationship to violent conflict and its profound impact on local communities and vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on gender dynamics.
“Nigeria is not immune to these issues, a general analysis should be revealed how gender serves as both a driver and an impact determinant of climate change-related conflict risks, vulnerability, and violence and addressing these gender dynamics has become a pressing concern for both governmental bodies and corporations alike,” he said
He stressed the need to foster inclusive decision-making processes that prioritize the voices and needs of women and marginalized groups, recognizing their unique vulnerabilities and strengths in the face of environmental challenges.
The workshop emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and collaboration to address gender disparities, mitigate climate change impacts, and resolve conflicts effectively.
Key objectives included facilitating knowledge exchange, promoting collaboration and partnership, developing strategic responses, and raising awareness and advocating for change.
Media representatives played a crucial role in disseminating workshop outcomes to raise awareness about the gendered dimensions of climate change and conflict in Nigeria.
Overall, the workshop provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the interconnected issues and to work together towards promoting resilience, gender equality, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform policy decisions and drive positive change at local, national, and regional levels.