Lead Writers: Douglas Stephanie and Hassana Suleiman (AACJ Advocates)
Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 60% urbanisation by 2030, escalating environmental challenges and already, flooding and climate-induced rise in sea levels has displaced over half a million people in 2022, with states along the River Niger and Benue at high risk. In places such as Bauchi, Adamawa and Jigawa, wind erosion and flooding have swept away houses and farms and intensified the effects of deforestation, drought and overgrazing.
HumanAngle captured by the advocates in the community
Climate change poses a significant threat to the well-being and livelihoods of individuals worldwide, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations such as young girls and women in Nigeria compounded by their socioeconomic status, dependence on natural resources, and entrenched gender inequalities. This critical analysis, supported by relevant statistics, explores how climate change affects women in Nigeria, and examines the underlying reasons for these disparities.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), women constitute 60% of Nigeria’s poor. This economic disparity limits their ability to recover from climate-related shocks, such as extreme weather events and natural disasters. For instance, the World Bank notes that women are less likely to own land, limiting their access to resources needed for rebuilding after disasters.
HumanAngle captured by the advocates in the community
Climate change can also disrupt education and economic activities, exacerbating existing gender disparities and limiting opportunities for young girls and women. There are increased risks of gender-based violence and exploitation, particularly in displacement camps and other vulnerable settings. Multiple reports indicate sex for money, food and other basic amenities, and abuse due to the absence of stringent laws and proper security.
HumanAngle captured by the advocates in the community
Changes in rainfall patterns and water availability increase the burden on women and girls, who are often responsible for collecting and managing water for household use, exposing them to many dangers. In 2014, the UN reported that women in Sub-Saharan Africa spent a staggering 40 billion hours annually fetching water. This is equivalent to one year’s worth of labour by the entire workforce of France. Climate change can increase the spread of diseases, heat stress, and other health issues, which affect women and girls’ rights, and threaten even sexual reproductive justice due to limited access to healthcare and sanitation facilities.
Globally, climate policies still need to acknowledge the disparate impact of climate change on men and women. In Nigeria, despite having climate policies in place, the implementation of gender-responsive climate strategies remains a significant challenge. To address this gap, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) is leading an initiative under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project to promote gender-responsive climate policies through public sensitisation on various social media platforms. By focusing on local levels where these policies are promoted, EVA aims to raise awareness among individuals, highlighting women’s crucial role in achieving climate justice. Through this effort, EVA seeks to empower women’s participation, recognised as the greatest enabler of climate justice.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and implementing initiatives to prevent and respond to climate-related abuse and displacement, can help protect the rights and dignity of young girls and women. Implementing sustainable water management practices and providing access to clean water sources can reduce the burden on women and girls. By addressing the specific needs and concerns of young girls and women in Nigeria, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable climate justice framework that prioritises their rights, empowerment, and resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
