Lagos: Analysis by The Aiding Lives Initiative for the Vulnerable (ALIVE), an NGO, has identified gender gaps in the Lagos Climate Action Plan Policy. Accordingly, the group has called for the development of inclusive climate action plans that incorporate coastal community voices, lived experiences, and importance of including women in building a climate-resilient state/environment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Executive Director of the organisation, Ms. Pandora Umechukwu, made the call at a Stakeholders’ Interface Meeting on Developing a Gender-Sensitive Climate Action Policy in Lagos State. The meeting, themed ‘Amplifying Women’s Voices in Lagos State Climate Action Policy’, provided a platform for women from flood-prone communities like Makoko, Ago-Egun, and Badia, to directly engage policymakers and share their lived experiences of climate impacts.
Umechukwu noted that the gathering was an opportunity for stakeholders to share knowledge, review findings, and initiate the collaborative process of developing a Gender-Sensitive Climate Action Policy for Lagos State. The policy aims to acknowledge the differential impact of climate change on women and children, emphasizing their experiences, knowledge, and leadership in crafting lasting solutions.
The event featured the presentation of a Gender Analysis of the Lagos State Climate Action Plan (2020-2025). The analysis, led by ALIVE and eco-activist collaborators, revealed key gaps in the policy, such as the absence of gender-disaggregated data and limited inclusion of women in planning and implementation. Other issues identified included lack of funding for gender-focused climate adaptation, gender mainstreaming without clear strategies or funding, and unaddressed gender-specific impacts on women.
Umechukwu explained that the meeting interface was about changing the narrative, emphasizing that women and children in coastal communities bear the greatest burden of climate impacts. She highlighted that women do not have access to clean energy, mobility, and flood protection, and face gender-specific vulnerabilities due to their dual roles as caregivers and income earners.
She further remarked that women are rarely included in decision-making processes, which limits their access to critical information and resources. This exclusion affects transport, housing, and energy policies, which fail to address women’s unique needs, often leading to the displacement of informal women-led businesses without support.
The meeting also featured a health talk by Dr. Anulika Madueke, who addressed the public health risks of flooding on women and children, calling for stronger preventative practices and commending the resilience of the community women. A representative from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources praised the clean-up efforts, climate resilience trainings, and grassroots policy analysis as commendable steps toward inclusive environmental governance.
As the current Climate Action Plan expires in 2025, the meeting concluded with calls to develop inclusive climate action plans that ensure communities are actively engaged and consulted at every stage. Officials present expressed commitment to deeper community engagement and recognized the importance of including women in building a climate-resilient state.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Chairmen and Directors of Environmental services of Bariga LCDA and Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Community Development leaders, and 100 women from coastal communities.
ALIVE is a nonprofit organisation committed to empowering vulnerable women and children by promoting health, well-being, and environmental resilience, enabling them to lead safe and fulfilling lives.
