As the world pushes for accelerated climate action, women are stepping forward, leading transformative initiatives that bridge sustainability, policy, and education. On the latest episode of Climate Fact File with Ify Onyekwere, two voices—Uzochukwudinma Awele Otakpor and Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi—shared their insights on environmental sustainability, circular economy, and the intersection of faith and climate justice.
Rethinking Waste and Economic Opportunity
Uzochukwudinma Awele Otakpor, spearheading an Environmental Sustainability Project at an IDP Camp, questioned Nigeria’s preparedness for waste stream categories like refuse-derived fuel, paper waste, and fly ash. “We have so much waste right now in Nigeria, particularly in the FCT, and we’re still trying to manage it. Why then should we import waste from another country as stated in the news?” she challenged. Highlighting the untapped potential of agro-waste, she emphasized its economic value. “Farmers can earn carbon credits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through agro-waste utilization—creating a win-win situation where waste management generates income through compost sales, biofuel production, and carbon trading.”
Her sustainability work extends to grassroots engagement. “In 2022, I partnered with organizations to build an educational centre in an IDP camp in Abuja. Three years later, it’s still running, now serving as a free elementary school. That same space has become a hub where I engage 13 to 15 women every Saturday, equipping them with skills in environmental sustainability.”
Climate Advocacy Rooted in Education and Faith
For Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi, the journey into climate advocacy began with a simple yet profound question: What small thing can I do? “I started by teaching children in schools, but I soon realized that waste and environmental responsibility needed urgent attention.” She merged her passion for faith and sustainability, culminating in the publication of Africa’s first faith-based book on circular economy and waste management. “I’ve searched far and wide, and I am proud that this book exists. Using biblical principles to discuss sustainability provides a fresh perspective on waste management.”
Rifkatu is also spearheading an interdenominational faith-based environmental sustainability conference. “Why aren’t we bringing climate conversations to the pulpit? Faith leaders must understand that we are stewards of the earth. We’re convening a table of interdenominational pastors, policy leaders, and climate experts to bridge the education gap and raise awareness.”
Breaking Barriers: Women in Climate Decision-Making
Despite their active roles in environmental action, women still face barriers in climate leadership. “When people talk about gender equality, they often see it as simply adding one woman to the room to balance the equation,” Rifkatu observed. “I’ve been in spaces where I was invited solely for gender balance, rather than for my expertise. In Africa, gender bias lingers beneath the surface.”
Uzochukwudinma echoed this sentiment, highlighting limited access to education and training for women in climate-related fields. “The world knows we are trying. We are learning, moving, evolving. We’re not here to balance numbers—we’re here because we belong.”
Beyond policy discussions, Uzochukwudinma has been actively addressing real-world environmental issues that disproportionately affect women. “During the lockdown, I initiated the End Period Poverty Project, providing sanitary products for vulnerable women. Many suffered vaginal infections from using rags and plastic bags due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. This is not just a gender issue—it’s an environmental problem.”
A Call to Action
Both women emphasized the need for self-empowerment and proactive engagement in climate action. “Create the opportunity yourself,” Uzochukwudinma urged. “Educate yourself. Read policies. Understand why they are not working. Proffer solutions. It’s not easy, but save, partner, and grow.”
From waste management to faith-based sustainability advocacy, these women are redefining leadership in climate action. Their work underscores the urgent need for systemic change, grassroots engagement, and policy reform to accelerate a truly sustainable future.
Their voices are a testament to the power of women in the climate movement—shaping policy, transforming waste into economic opportunities, and bridging knowledge gaps to foster inclusive and impactful solutions.
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