In an effort to champion sustainable environmental practices and empower women as agents of change, the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), based in Kaduna, Nigeria, proudly announces its significant impact on over 120,000 women nationwide. Founded in 2004, WISE has been at the forefront of promoting constructive environmental ideals and practices, recognizing the pivotal role of women in stewarding natural resources, mitigating climate change, and fostering peace. Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, the Founder and Executive Director of WISE, shared insights into the organization’s mission and achievements on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration in Kaduna.
She emphasized WISE’s dedication to addressing pressing issues such as water Sanitation and hygiene, food security, and access to clean cooking energy, which disproportionately effects women in Nigeria. Central to WISE’s initiatives is the recognition of the inherent dangers associated with traditional cooking methods prevalent among many Nigerian households. Mrs. Olugboji-Daramola highlighted the alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, which identified Nigeria as a leading country in smoke-related illnesses among women due to the use of firewood and other unclean energy sources for cooking. Responding to these challenges, WISE has undertaken extensive campaigns to raise awareness and promote best practices that can mitigate health hazards associated with cooking.
NGO empowers women for environment and health.
By providing women with clean cooking training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to clean energy technologies, WISE aims to empower women to safeguard their health and well-being while contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, WISE recognizes the importance of amplifying women’s voices in decision-making processes related to environmental governance and sustainable development. Mrs. Olugboji-Daramola emphasized the need for women to actively participate in shaping their destinies and creating positive change in their communities. By fostering women’s Empowerment through financial literacy, skill development, and advocacy, WISE seeks to bridge the gender gap and promote inclusive decision-making at all levels.
The call for women’s empowerment, Mrs. Olugboji-Daramola reiterated, it is not a competition between men and women but a call for partnership and collaboration. WISE advocates for a society where everyone’s voice is valued, and mutual cooperation drives progress towards a better world for all. Through initiatives such as clean cooking training, green micro-financing, and climate-smart farming projects, WISE aims to equip women with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world while contributing to environmental resilience and food security. The recent WISE-IWD celebration in Kaduna showcased the organization’s commitment to engaging and empowering women through various activities, including competitions, raffle draws, and a Fashion parade.
Women, environment, and sustainability for a better future.
As the event garnered support from a diverse array of partners, including Micromanna, Twisco, NSIA, Atmosfair, Fati Gold, and WOWIN, it underscored the collective effort required to advance the cause of women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. Looking ahead, WISE remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women, promoting sustainable environmental practices, and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria and beyond. By harnessing the collective strength and ingenuity of women, communities, and stakeholders, WISE envisions a future where Environmental Stewardship and Gender Equality go hand in hand, creating a more resilient and prosperous society for generations to come.
With the global spotlight turning towards Environmental Sustainability and gender equality, the work of organizations like WISE takes on added significance. By addressing the intersecting challenges of Environmental Degradation and gender inequality, WISE not only improves the lives of women but also contributes to broader efforts to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. As the impacts of Climate Change intensify and the need for Sustainable Development becomes more urgent, empowering women to take active roles in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management becomes paramount. Women play a crucial role as caretakers of their families and communities, making them natural leaders in efforts to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
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Moreover, empowering women has been shown to have multiplier effects, leading to improved health and Education outcomes, increased economic opportunities, and enhanced resilience to environmental shocks. By investing in women’s empowerment and promoting gender-responsive policies and programs, societies can unlock the full potential of half of their population and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. Summarily, WISE serves as a shining example of the transformative power of women’s empowerment in the realm of environmental sustainability. Empowering women to become agents of change, WISE not only improves the lives of individual women but also contributes to broader efforts to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.