Webinar on the Occasion of the International Women’s Day 2026 

“Young Women Leadership in Africa” 

This is a private event

Zoom

VIRTUAL

5 March 2026, 13:00

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Source:

Showcasing experiences from Algeria, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Republic of Congo and South Africa 

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG WOMEN IN ADAPTATION LEADERSHIP

The climate crisis does not affect everyone equally. When extreme weather disasters strike, women and children are 14 times more vulnerable than men, mostly due to limited access to information, limited mobility, decision-making, and essential resources such as education, especially in Africa.1 Particularly in rural areas, women and girls are often responsible for securing food, water, and firewood for their families. During times of drought and erratic rainfall, rural women work harder, walk farther and spend more time securing income and resources for their families. This can also expose them to increased risks of gender-based violence, as climate change exacerbates existing conflicts, inequalities, and vulnerabilities. 
Given their position on the frontlines of the climate crisis, women are uniquely situated to be agents of change.2  


EVENT DESCRIPTION 

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday the 8th of March, the Youth Leadership and Education team will host a webinar to celebrate young women leadership in Africa.  
 
This 90-MINUTE webinar will be hosted on Zoom and will include:  

1. Panel discussion with young women from Algeria, South Africa, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Comoros, Morocco on the role on young women in the achievement of climate resilience. Each panelist will share how they got into the climate space, challenges, needs, opportunities and recommendations for engaging women in the adaptation agenda. 

  • Introduction of yourself, organization and country
  • 1 Minute intervention on the role of young women in adaptation in your country 
  • 1 Minute intervention on the challenges, needs and opportunities for including women from your experience  

2. Working groups on experiences and tools for youth leadership on gender in climate adaptation. 

  • Introduction of yourself, organization and country  
  • Discussion about the challenges women face in climate leadership  
  • Practical tools for overcoming these challenges  

OBJECTIVE
Disseminate practical tools, share lessons learnt and create a platform for networking and mentoring opportunities for young people that lead to concrete collaborations, capacity building, and youth-led initiatives. 

PARTICIPANTS
This is event is especially organized for the African Youth Adaptation Network, comprising of 51 African countries as of 2026. 

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • What are lessons learnt from young women leaders in the climate adaptation field? 
  • What role can all young people play in their communities to foster greater gender inclusion in climate adaptation?  
AGENDA

Opening Video: The Connection Between Gender and Climate, link here 
 
OPENING REMARKS AND WELCOME 

  • Adriana Valenzuela, Youth Leadership and Education team lead 

PANEL DISCUSSION 

  • Meriem Lambahbah, Association Cultural Marjane, Algeria 🇩🇿 
  • Lesedi Gaonewe, CorpsAfrica South Africa, South Africa 🇿🇦 
  • Claude Aleyda Fila Diafouka, Youth Empowerment Engaged to Protect Environment, Republic of Congo 🇨🇬 
  • Anastasia Amor Ñengono NKOGO ABESO, Federación de las Organizaciones de Mujeres Emprendedoras de Guinea Ecuatorial, Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 
  • Faida khadidja Idaroussi, Réseau climat Océan Indien (RCOI), Comoros 🇰🇲 
  • Soukaina Koumani, CorpsAfrica Morocco, Morocco 🇲🇦 

WORKING GROUPS 

  • Glory Emmanuella Appiah,  
    Ghana Youth Environmental Movement, Ghana 🇬🇭 
  • Katrina Khan Roberts, CEO of Metrina Marine Minded Network, Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 
  • Lydia Porkpah, Liberian Youth for Climate Actions, Liberia 🇱🇷 
  • Elgin Créa, SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH), Seychelles 🇸🇨 
  • Tatiana Balagizi, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa DRC (CYNESA DRC), Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩 

CLOSING REMARKS  

  • Adriana Valenzuela, Youth Leadership and Education team lead 

CONTACT  
For more information, kindly contact Adriana Valenzuela, Youth Leadership and Education Team Lead at adriana.valenzuela@gca.org 

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