The spectre of climate change looms large over our planet, and its impacts are particularly acute in vulnerable coastal regions like Zanzibar. As sea levels rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.
One such solution lies in the empowerment of women. Women, often marginalised and excluded from decision-making processes, possess invaluable knowledge and skills that are essential to building climate resilience. Recognising and harnessing their potential can unlock a powerful force for positive change.
The Zanzibar Women’s Leadership in Adaptation Project (ZanzAdapt), implemented by Community Forests Pemba and her sister organisation Community Forests International in collaboration with Tanzania Media Women’s Association Zanzibar and Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development Organization, is a beacon of hope in this regard.
This groundbreaking initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada, emphasises on-the-ground activities with people that directly and immediately improve their social, ecological, and financial equity.
This includes improving equitable access to land and physical resources while increasing the skills and knowledge necessary for beneficiaries to practice gender-responsive, nature-based climate adaptation occupations in their daily lives.
The ZanzAdapt project, implemented in Unguja and Pemba islands, targets 4,000 direct beneficiaries, of whom 80 per cent are women and 20 per cent are men. The areas that benefit from the ZanzAdapt project are Unguja Ukuu, Uzi, N`gambwa, and Bungi, and for Pemba, the areas are Kiuyu Minungwini, Kambini, Mchangamdogo, and Chwale.
Through a combination of training, capacity building, and community-led initiatives, ZanzAdapt equips women with the tools and knowledge they need to become leaders in climate adaptation. By fostering women’s leadership, the project ensures that their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued in decision-making processes.
One of ZanzAdapt’s core components is promoting agroforestry. This innovative approach to agriculture combines traditional and modern techniques to produce food, fuel, and timber while restoring degraded ecosystems. By training women in agroforestry practices, ZanzAdapt empowers them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to climate resilience.
The second aspect is increasing gender equality skills and positive reinforcement of women’s leadership in nature-based climate adaptation by providing resources, training, and support to beneficiaries, duty-bearers and responsibility-holders that aid women in acquiring rights to nature-positive livelihoods and land use.
Another crucial aspect of the project is the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests. These vital ecosystems protect coastal communities from storms, erosion, and flooding. By involving women in mangrove conservation efforts, ZanzAdapt is safeguarding the environment and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
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ZanzAdapt is not just about planting trees or mangrove restoration; it’s about fostering a new generation of female leaders. By providing women with training in agroforestry, mangrove conservation, and community governance, we are equipping them to address climate change head-on. These women are becoming experts in their fields, sharing their knowledge with others, and inspiring change.
Moreover, ZanzAdapt is breaking down barriers to women’s participation. By challenging traditional gender roles and empowering women to take on leadership positions, it creates a more equitable society. When women have a voice, they can advocate for their needs and ensure that climate adaptation efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
The benefits of empowering women extend far beyond climate resilience. Studies have shown that women’s empowerment improves health, education, and economic outcomes. When women thrive, communities thrive.
As men, we are responsible for supporting and championing the women in our lives. We must challenge gender stereotypes, encourage women to pursue their ambitions and create a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By working together, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for Zanzibar.
The future of Zanzibar depends on the empowerment of women. By investing in women’s leadership, we are investing in the future of our planet. Let us join hands with ZanzAdapt and empower the women of Zanzibar to lead the way in climate adaptation.
Khelef Nassor is a communications officer with the Community Forests Pemba, an NGO that works around climate justice in Zanzibar. He is available at khelefnassor@gmail.com. These are the writer’s own opinions, and they do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com for further inquiries.
