Cross River Seeks Greater Role for Women in Climate Action

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Cross River State Government has called for greater inclusion of women and vulnerable communities in climate action and environmental governance, insisting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without inclusive participation.

The position was reiterated during the Environmental Justice and Human Rights Boot Camp held in Calabar under the WomenPower2030 initiative, where government officials, climate advocates and development partners gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening feminist environmental movements and promoting environmental justice.

Chairman of the Cross River State Green Economy Commission, Hon. Oden Ewa, said the initiative was a timely intervention aimed at reshaping environmental advocacy and strengthening grassroots participation across the South-South region.

He commended the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), the WomenPower2030 consortium and development partners for creating a platform to equip women with advocacy, campaigning and human rights skills needed to drive sustainable development.

According to Ewa, communities in the South-South continue to face the impact of environmental degradation, pollution and climate change despite the region’s rich ecological resources.

He noted that women often bear the greatest burden of environmental decline while also playing vital roles in protecting natural resources and supporting community wellbeing.

“We cannot achieve a thriving green economy while leaving women behind or ignoring systemic inequalities that hinder their progress,” he said.

Ewa stressed that the state’s green economy agenda is anchored on inclusivity, equity and sustainability, adding that environmental protection and human rights must advance together.

Founder and Global Lead of the Women Environmental Programme, Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, said the WomenPower2030 initiative was designed to strengthen feminist and civil society networks while promoting gender-responsive climate policies.

She explained that the programme seeks to empower women and youths with practical tools needed to influence environmental governance and sustainable development initiatives.

Achakpa noted that beyond advocacy, the initiative also provides mentoring support, grants and opportunities for participants to engage in global policy discussions and international conferences.

She expressed optimism that the programme would help build stronger grassroots movements capable of turning local environmental concerns into effective policy actions.

Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Obol Moses John Osogi, described environmental justice and human rights as critical pillars for sustainable development and responsible governance.

He said programmes such as the boot camp would improve public awareness, deepen civic participation and encourage collaborative efforts toward environmental sustainability.

Osogi reaffirmed the readiness of the ministry to support partnerships and policies aimed at creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

In her remarks, Director-General of the Cross River State Climate Change Council, Dr. Edu Effiom, said climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly those living in rural and coastal communities.

She identified flooding, pollution, deforestation and resource scarcity as some of the major threats affecting livelihoods across vulnerable communities.

Effiom argued that excluding women from climate-related decision-making amounts to environmental injustice.

She described the boot camp as more than a training programme, saying it would help nurture a new generation of environmental advocates capable of transforming community struggles into policy influence.

Participants and organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen grassroots environmental advocacy networks and accelerate inclusive climate solutions across Nigeria.