While the voices of women must be included across all conversations related to climate change, it is also important to acknowledge and examine the unique ways that women and girls are affected by the global climate crisis. In many communities around the world, including African societies, women bear a disproportionate burden in procuring food, water and fuel for everyday survival of their families; yet due to entrenched gender inequalities, they have the least access to resources, information and decision making power in their communities. As a threat multiplier, climate change can increase these vulnerabilities and girls may be pulled out of school early to help their mothers source fewer and further away resources.

Despite these challenges, many African women have also been vocal, active and forward thinking in their approaches to climate resilience and combating the effects of climate change. No climate solutions can be effective without the inclusion of the voices most affected by the climate crisis; thus, we hear from those amplifying the voices of women climate change champions and the work they are doing create a sustainable future for us all. In this conversation, we move beyond women as victims of climate change, but rather focus on the ways women are at the forefront of climate change solutions.