Women and the green movement

Faith Mandizha

STUDENTS of Liberty Africa (ASL), an organisation which advocates for environmental friendly initiatives, has called for the involvement of women in advancing green liberty initiatives.

These initiatives are meant to fight climate change and create a more sustainable world.

This came to light during a regional meeting organised by ALS which was attended by different young women organisations.

The national coordinator of ASFL Malawi, Modester Phiri, said the meeting brought together women from Kenya, Namibia, Gambia and Mozambique to share their regional experiences.

One of the panellists, Evernice Munando, the executive director at the Female Student Network (FSN), highlighted the vital role women play in advancing green liberty initiatives.

“Embracing gender equality in decision-making processes is not only a matter of fairness but also a crucial step towards achieving comprehensive and effective solutions to environmental challenges.

“It’s about drawing from the ground-breaking work of Wangari Maathai, who tirelessly fought for environmental conservation and socio-economic empowerment.

 “By engaging women in policy-making, their unique perspectives and experiences can contribute to the development and implementation of robust and inclusive strategies for a greener future.”

She added:

“Women’s inclusion in policy-making will harness diverse perspectives and talents to tackle complex environmental issues and, as we move forward, it is crucial to recognise the vital contributions that women can make in shaping environmental policies and driving green initiatives.

“By creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, like the regional meeting organised by ASL, we can continue to build upon Wangari Maathai’s legacy and foster a more inclusive and sustainable world.”

The discussions highlighted the importance of amplifying women’s voices in the sustainability and environmental movements.

Their vision for a greener, more sustainable future, supported by women’s active involvement at all levels, serves as a powerful catalyst for change.

The initiative was inspired by the legacy of Wangari Maathai, who is the founder of the Green Belt Movement, and a Nobel Prize Laureate.