Empowering Ethiopian Girls and Young Women

A climate change training reflection

Over two impactful Saturdays, a dedicated training course on climate change brought together girls and young women in Ethiopia, fostering a deeper understanding of this critical global issue and empowering them with the knowledge to drive change. Through five thoughtfully designed sessions, participants engaged with diverse aspects of climate change, from foundational concepts to advanced advocacy strategies and the crucial lens of intersectionality.

The training commenced with a foundational session led by Tanya (TdH NL Business Controller, with a Masters in Climate), who introduced the broad definition of climate change and outlined actionable steps individuals can take. A particularly striking moment was the revelation that Ethiopia is among the top 10 countries where citizens reportedly do not believe climate change affects them, a statistic that profoundly resonated with the participants and underscored the urgency of the training.

Following this, Hildana (TdH NL Research Intern) delved into the vital topic of legal frameworks and advocacy strategies. This session provided a comprehensive overview of the international, regional, and national laws, treaties, protocols, and commitments that serve as powerful tools to back climate advocacy efforts. Understanding these legal underpinnings equipped participants with a robust foundation for future engagement.

The third session, facilitated by Isabella (TdH NL Technical Advisor)  , explored the profound social and intersectional effects of climate change. She eloquently explained how climate change disproportionately impacts different people, particularly highlighting the heightened vulnerability of certain community groups. The session also offered a hopeful perspective by showcasing existing initiatives and the significant potential for collective action. Building on this, Hildana then guided a dynamic World Café discussion. Participants were divided into three tables to discuss the intersectional effects of climate change on specific groups: disability, girls and young women, and indigenous communities. This interactive format fostered rich dialogue and diverse perspectives.

The training concluded with Eliham (Chairperson from Ethiopian young Woman’s Voice) Leading a session on the diverse backgrounds of intersectionality. Participants shared prepared stories, vividly illustrating how vulnerable groups are affected in complex and multi-layered ways. This powerful storytelling was complemented by discussions on existing solutions, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for contributing to climate action.

This comprehensive training successfully ignited a passion for climate action among the participants, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. By engaging with expert facilitators and through collaborative discussions, these girls and young women are now better prepared to understand, address, and advocate for solutions to the climate crisis in their communities and beyond.