Help Women in Kenya Confront Climate Change

With your generous support, MADRE partners in Africa participated in an intergenerational delegation of 12 women and young women leaders in November 2022 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt. MADRE partners contributed vital, and often missing, grassroots perspectives and movement organizing to demand action from States and decision-makers. They called for strengthened linkages between climate discussions at COP27 and efforts to protect biodiversity at the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was held in December. 

Partners uplifted the work and expertise of Indigenous and rural women and girls in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis through sustainable management of natural resources, reforestation and agroecology initiatives, and community-led water conservation efforts, among other strategies. The delegation also demanded that any funding to mitigate the impacts of climate change must be given directly to Indigenous and rural communities on the frontlines.  

In an important step toward justice for countries and Indigenous communities bearing the brunt of climate breakdown, and after years of advocacy by partners and activists, an agreement was reached to provide “loss and damage” funding to compensate at-risk nations from climate-induced disasters. MADRE partners highlighted this as a significant outcome of the conference and have discussed ways they can strengthen advocacy at the national level to ensure any potential funding reaches grassroots communities in need. 

Partners also reported creative ways in which they have shared their COP27 experiences with their communities. For example, MADRE partners organized tree planting activities with community members and invited youth, local government officials, and other key stakeholders, including radio stations, to discuss and put their learnings into practice.

Thank you for your support and meaningful solidarity for environmental activists in Africa. When we come together to listen and learn from MADRE partners, we make positive steps toward creating a healthier planet for all.