How women are making a difference on climate change
A group of female activists walk in Kampala ahead of World Environmental Day. PHOTO/SYLIVIA KATUSHABE
What you need to know:
- Women activists say they are determined to continue their advocacy and other activities amid risks including intimidation, arrest, and violence across the country.
- The poorest countries most affected by climate change are paying a high price for pollution by wealthier countries.
A section of women environmental activists under their umbrella body of the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) has come up with ways to fight climate change, whose impact they say has hit women in vulnerable areas the most.
Led by the organisation’s Executive Director, Ms Brenda Kugonza, the women activists chose to stand at the front-lines of environmental protection and climate justice from rural villages to national advocacy platforms, by leading reforestation efforts, defending vital ecosystems, and pushing for sustainable solutions to the climate crisis because they direct feel the negative impact of climate change.
“Despite our invaluable contributions, many of us, the women environmental defenders, face serious risks including intimidation, arrest, and violence. Our advocacy has been met with targeted backlash meant to silence and deter them,” Ms Kugonza said yesterday.
She added: “Environmental activists in rural areas were arrested for mobilising communities against illegal logging. Women resisting the destruction of Forests have been subjected to threats and harassment. Indigenous Benet women in Mount Elgon have endured forced evictions while defending their ancestral lands. Our courageous work reflects deep resilience and an unwavering commitment to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations.”
The women activists yesterday held a workshop in Kampala as part of the events ahead of World Environmental Day, which will be marked on Thursday, June 5. Ms Ireen Twongirwe, the co-founder of WOGEM Uganda, who has been at the forefront of fighting for the restoration and preservation of Budongo Forest, said no amount of intimidation will deter them from defending nature.
“Forests are more than just trees – they help protect our climate and are a big part of our culture. Budongo Forest is special to us and should be saved. We have been taken to court and even arrested for speaking out against logging and illegal tree-cutting. The government protects some companies,” she said.
Ms Twongirwe added: “As women, our voices are often ignored. People say we don’t own land, so we shouldn't speak up for it. I was even charged with 'inciting' people just for holding community meetings. The law is used to shut us up.”
“Wetlands are very important for us, they clean our water, provide homes for many plants and animals, and are special places for our community. I started standing up for them when I saw them destroyed for big business projects without asking the people living here,” said Ms Diana Natukunda, the executive director of the Give a Hand Foundation.
She added: “I have been insulted and called 'anti-development. Powerful men ignore me just because I'm a woman, even though I'm speaking up for everyone in our area. We have been watched by private security, and some of us have even been threatened for trying to stop the destruction of the wetlands.”
The WHRDN-U members unanimously called upon the government to enforce existing laws that shield environmental defenders from harassment and violence, and also provide support to grassroots women-led climate initiatives, and hold corporations accountable for environmental degradation.
“Ensure the safety and security of women defenders so they can continue their work without fear because Ugandan women are not just victims of climate change.
They are leaders in the struggle for environmental and climate justice. Their voices, actions, and sacrifices must be recognised, supported, and protected,” Ms Monica Chebet, the lead defender of Ancestral Land for the Benet Community, said.
Relatedly, Ms Sarah Akello, the secretary of Tapac Miners Association in Moroto, noted: “Mining has made our water dirty, destroyed our farming land, and caused fights in our community.”
“Women suffer the most- we face hunger, health problems, and even violence from armed guards near the mines. Mining is mostly controlled by men. Women are often left out of decisions, even though it’s our land being damaged,” she explained.
Due to climate change, the number of people in need of emergency food aid in West Africa rose from 7 million in 2015 to 27 million in 2022, according to Oxfam.
