How women can play a leading role in the fight against climate change

The Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa is taking proactive steps to address the devastating impacts of climate change by launching the Women in Climate Change Mitigation project. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, the Vice-Chancellor at the university, shed light on the innovative solutions being implemented to combat climate change and its accompanying challenges. The project, launched in response to the recent climate crisis events in KwaZulu-Natal, aims to empower women who are often disproportionately affected by global warming issues. By harnessing evidence-based research and fostering thought leadership, the university is spearheading a collective effort to tackle climate change and contribute to the vision of 'The Africa We Want'. The devastating floods in April 2022 wreaked havoc in the KZN coastal region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. More than 88 people went missing, 4,000 homes were destroyed, and 40,000 individuals were displaced, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change and its ripple effects. In response to the African Union's call to action with the theme Agenda 2063, the university's Faculty of Engineering, under the leadership of Professor Babatunde Bakare, endorsed the Women in Climate Change Mitigation Project. This initiative aims to address key issues such as pollution, hunger, disease, poor infrastructure, and high unemployment rates, which currently stand at a staggering 36% in the region. Throughout the African month of May, the university engaged in round-table discussions with various stakeholders, including St. Monica's College of Education in Ghana, to explore collaborative strategies to combat climate change and create sustainable economic opportunities. By fostering partnerships and implementing innovative solutions, the Women in Climate Change Mitigation project seeks to empower women, protect communities, and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future. As economic activities slowly pick up in the aftermath of the devastating floods, the lessons learned from this challenging period will serve as a catalyst for positive change and collective action in the fight against climate change.