Ukorebi Esien | May 25, 2026
CALABAR – Stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organisations and climate advocacy groups have called for stronger gender-responsive policies and inclusive climate action as the Environmental Justice and Human Rights Bootcamp under the WomenPower2030 initiative commenced in Calabar, Cross River State.
The two-day bootcamp, organised by the Women’s Environmental Programme (WEP) under the WomenPower2030: Feminist Accelerate Action for Sustainable Development project, brought together participants from 40 organisations across six South-South states — Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.
The initiative, supported through a Financial Framework Partnership Agreement between the European Union and a consortium of five feminist organisations led by Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), aims to strengthen the capacity of women and feminist civil society organisations to address inequalities and advance gender-equal sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening session, representatives of various government institutions emphasised the need to integrate gender considerations into climate action, environmental policies and sustainable development programmes.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Josephine Odey, described environmental justice and human rights as critical pillars for sustainable development, social equity and responsible governance.
She commended the Women’s Environmental Programme for empowering women and young people with knowledge and advocacy tools to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience and human dignity.
“Programmes such as this bootcamp help to strengthen awareness, encourage civic participation and foster collaborative solutions to environmental challenges confronting our society today,” he said.
Also speaking, Engr. Dr. Peter Ohiero, representing the Chairman of the Cross River State Green Economy Commission, stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender equality and environmental justice.
“There can be no sustainable development without gender equality and there can be no gender equality without environmental justice,” he said, noting that women in the South-South region disproportionately bear the burden of environmental degradation, pollution and climate change.
He added that empowering women with advocacy and human rights skills would strengthen climate resilience and promote equitable development.
Similarly, a representative of the Cross River State Council on Climate Change, Dr. Stephen Ekwok, observed that climate change affects women and girls more severely, especially in coastal and rural communities where flooding, deforestation, pollution and resource scarcity threaten livelihoods.
“Climate change is not an equal opportunity crisis. Women and girls suffer first and worst, yet they are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives. This is environmental injustice and it must end,” the representative said.
The Council reiterated its commitment to ensuring climate policies remain inclusive, rights-based and responsive to vulnerable populations.
Participants at the bootcamp are expected to gain practical knowledge on environmental justice, human rights advocacy, legal and policy frameworks, campaign strategies and ethical leadership, while also exploring local and global environmental challenges.
Speaking on the WomenPower2030 project, the Human Resource Officer of Women Environmental Programme, Patience Adema explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen feminist and civil society networks, influence gender-responsive climate policies and empower more women and youths to act as agents of change for sustainable development.
According to her, the project also provides mentoring support, sub-grants and opportunities for participation in global policy engagements and conferences.
Organisers expressed optimism that the bootcamp would equip participants with the tools needed to transform grassroots environmental concerns into policy action and drive inclusive solutions to climate and development challenges in Nigeria.
The Environmental Justice and Human Rights Bootcamp forms part of broader efforts under the WomenPower2030 initiative to accelerate feminist action for sustainable development across regions of the country.
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