Title: Women's Participation In Climate Action For Sustainable Development In Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, And Policy Implications
Authors: Ejeh Benedict, Abel Onyema Angela, Ubi Mary Otanwa
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 50-56
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Climate change presents profound social, economic, and environmental challenges, disproportionately affecting women due to socio-economic vulnerabilities and critical roles in resource management. In Nigeria, women are central to agriculture, natural resource management, and community resilience, yet their formal participation in climate action remains limited. This paper examines women's participation in climate action as a catalyst for sustainable development, exploring challenges, opportunities, and policy implications. Guided by Ecofeminism and Gender and Development (GAD) theories, the study highlights how gender inequalities, socio-cultural norms, and intersectional vulnerabilities restrict women's engagement in climate initiatives. Drawing on existing literature, policy documents, and theoretical perspectives, the study identifies socio-cultural constraints, economic limitations, policy gaps, low awareness, and limited access to education and technology as key barriers to women's involvement. Nevertheless, opportunities exist through targeted capacity building, gender-responsive policy implementation, community engagement, ICT integration, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. The paper concludes that empowering women enhances environmental sustainability, strengthens community resilience, and promotes inclusive socio-economic development. Recommendations include mainstreaming gender in climate policies, improving access to education and resources, fostering grassroots advocacy, leveraging digital platforms, and supporting women-led climate initiatives through policy and institutional support. By addressing barriers and maximizing opportunities, Nigeria can harness the full potential of women as agents of climate action, advancing both national development objectives and global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).