Mrs. Titi Akosa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for 21st Century has said that there is an urgent need for adaptation strategies to reduce the impact of climate change on women.
Akosa made the call during the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, organized by the Centre for 21st Century in partnership with the University of Bradford and the International Law Association (Committee on Women, International Law, and Development), held in Lagos.
With the theme “Accelerate Action: Focus on Women and Climate Change,” the event highlighted the disproportionate effects of climate change on women and the importance of inclusive policies, empowerment, and meaningful action.
Speaking at the event, Akosa noted the growing vulnerabilities women face due to climate change, stressing that they bear a greater burden than men.She called for action beyond discussions, urging stakeholders to implement practical solutions to address these challenges.
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“It is not enough to just hear these discussions, it is time to take action,” Akosa urged participants, encouraging them to implement the knowledge gained and push for policy changes and community-driven initiatives.
She spotlighted the urgent need for gender-inclusive climate policies, leadership opportunities for women, and collaborative efforts to create a sustainable future.
In her keynote address, Morenike Omaiboje, Executive Director of the Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), delivered a compelling speech on the gendered impact of climate change. She highlighted that women bear a disproportionate burden due to their roles in food production and resource management.
“Women face unique challenges such as increased stress, malnutrition, and health risks,” Omaiboje explained, adding that climate change-induced food insecurity, water shortages, and displacement threaten women’s livelihoods and safety.
She also shed light on the alarming rise in cases of women being kidnapped and assaulted on their way to farms, workplaces, and markets due to environmental crises triggering migration and instability. Omaiboje passionately called for greater female representation in climate policy decision-making, stating, “Women’s voices need to be heard.”
Adding to the discourse, Mr. Odeyemi Richard, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Kosofe LGEA, addressed the role of women in community resilience. He commended the contributions of women while encouraging them to speak out against injustices and take proactive steps towards change.
Story was adapted from the Nation.
