On World Population Day 2023, the Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI) partnered with Education as a Vaccine (EVA) to tackle pressing global challenges, with a specific focus on gender equality and climate justice.
Under the theme, “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voice of Women and Girls to Unlock a World’s Infinite Possibilities,” the joint efforts emphasized the critical importance of empowering women and girls to create a just and sustainable society.
During a press conference in Nasarawa State, Mrs. Asaba Avesson, Chairperson of Advocacy for Women with Disabilities, highlighted that the growing global population exerts pressure on natural resources and exacerbates the impacts of climate change. Nasarawa State has already experienced devastating effects such as flooding, rainfall irregularities, and pest infestations, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
Avesson emphasized that women, especially young girls and those with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by these environmental hazards. They face disrupted access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Additionally, they are at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child marriage, and unplanned pregnancies.
To address these challenges, the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) consortium, in collaboration with BYI and EVA, advocated for investing in disaster preparedness initiatives. They called for the development of mitigation strategies to combat expected flooding, with a specific focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Avesson outlined key recommendations, including the active participation of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in climate change initiatives and decision-making processes. She emphasized the importance of gender balance and inclusion in decision-making bodies related to the environment. Furthermore, recognizing and supporting locally driven climate change coping solutions and funding initiatives to enhance community resilience were highlighted as crucial steps.
Mr. Envoh Emmanuel Okolo, Chief Executive of Beacon Youth Initiative, emphasized that the event aimed to prioritize the needs of women and girls during the climate crisis, with the goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all. He emphasized that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for social progress, economic development, and sustainable growth.
The Beacon Youth Initiative (BYI) is a prominent NGO focusing on public/community health and rural development in Nasarawa State, working to strengthen climate justice among vulnerable groups. Education as a Vaccine (EVA), a non-profit organization established in 2000, aims to improve the health and development of children, adolescents, and young people, envisioning a Nigeria where all young individuals reach their full potential.
Participants at the press conference expressed satisfaction with the initiative while also raising concerns about the neglect of climate change issues affecting women and girls in the state.