Leading the change: Women and youth at the heart of climate action

In Senegal, rural women and youth play a crucial role in natural resource management and climate-change adaptation. However, their participation in decision-making spaces remains limited. Social and patriarchal norms limit women to domestic and reproductive tasks, while adult men dominate decision-making spaces from which young people are excluded. 

Our local counterpart in Senegal, Enda Pronat, is working to reverse this trend by offering tools and training that support the empowerment of women and girls in rural communities’ decision-making spaces.  

“Before, women weren't allowed to speak. Their husbands had the control,” explains Ousmane Diouf, member of a group of “feminist champions.” These men attend Enda Pronat trainings on positive masculinity and gender inequality, and then share what they learned and raise awareness within their community. 

“The training and knowledge-sharing are starting to change things. Women are going to school and participating more in discussions and decisions.”

Our work with Enda Pronat takes many different forms. The women's association of Guédé Chantier, a village located in the Saint-Louis region of Senegal, is an inspiring example of that work. Established over twenty years ago, this group initially depended on seasonal agriculture in a flood plain. Today, with the help of Enda Pronat, the women sustainably manage several hectares of crops using agroecology that allows them to access healthy and nutritious food while caring for the land. 

In the seaside village of Palmarin, an annual contest supported by Inter Pares called the Trophée Vert (“green trophy”) encourages youth to come up with creative climate change solutions.  

Team leader Rosalie Ndour tells us how she mobilizes her peers. “I explain to them that Palmarin belongs to us. One day our parents will die, and we will still be here. This is our responsibility.”

The youth participate in educational workshops as well as clean up and reforestation activities. Gradually, they realize that their participation is key to ensuring the long-term success of climate actions.  

These initiatives show how, by supporting women and youth's involvement in decision-making about land management and agriculture, communities can become more resilient to climate-related challenges.