If you train a woman, you have train a generation
In Sub-Sahara Africa, women’s land-rights
are limited by some traditional norms. Only about 1% of women actually own land
and some 10% qualify for agricultural loan. Despite these limitations, 80% of
them are agricultural workers cultivating 90% of food consumed locally and
producing 80% of developing world’s food.
The African woman is the greatest climate
change burden bearer walking for miles across harsh terrain to fetch water,
fuel-wood, cultivating and harvesting crops and this has exposed them to threat
of violence and rape as they need to fetch water in faraway distances. Drought
and landslide can also separate families exposing women to human trafficking,
starvation and loss of life in a blink of an eye.
Train a woman and you would have train and
maintain a household, which is the fundamental unit of any community. There is
need to provide enough support and training on sustainable agriculture,
agro-forestry and other income generating activities like animal husbandry, aqua-culture
and small businesses to alleviate poverty, improve livelihood and helps
mitigate and adapt to climate change. Empowering women to embark on sustainable
agricultural and socio-economic activities enable them to improve their
lifestyles and fully participate in community development. Women have proven to
be the backbone of any economy.
We would sensitise the men and broaden
their views to understand the essence of including a woman’s place at
discussion table. Women will be given the right tools and training to build
assets and income so that they too will realise their rights, access basic
social services, be self-reliance and fully participate in sustainable
community development. Support us raise awareness and change the life of
marginalized women for improved livelihood and well-being of their families and
communities.
"Let's lead the change before climate
change changes us"
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| Dr. Nvenakeng Suzanne Awung |
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