Celebration of International African Women's Day: awareness raising and reforestation in Matchalè

As part of International African Women's Day (IAWD) 2024, the Women's Initiative for Development (IFD) consortium and the Hands of Development Association (AMD) organized a landmark event in Matchalè, in the commune of Bas Mono. This celebration was an opportunity to raise awareness about the fight against climate change, accompanied by a reforestation initiative.

The IFD Executive Director opened the ceremony by tracing the history of African feminist struggles since independence, emphasizing the importance of equal rights between the sexes. Through an interactive question-and-answer session, she encouraged the women present to become actively involved in defending their rights within the community. She proposed various activities to be carried out, such as educating young girls, eliminating gender-based violence, and protecting the environment.

This introduction allowed the AMD coordinator to address the crucial issue of climate change. She recalled previous discussions on advocacy for support for women vulnerable to climate impacts and the transition to renewable energy. She emphasized that concrete action is needed to make their voices heard, calling on participants to become agents of change.

The coordinator also highlighted the importance of renewable energy in their daily lives, particularly for their income-generating activities. She encouraged the women to reforest whenever they use wood, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.

The meeting concluded with a symbolic reforestation of 200 plants, the responsibility for which was entrusted to the local youth association, in order to involve them in sustainable development initiatives.

This event not only raised awareness of environmental issues, but also highlighted the essential role of women in the fight for a sustainable future.

The editorial staff