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Ibironke Olubamise is the pioneer national coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Nigeria, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this chat with journalists, she discusses the vital role women play in environmental conservation, especially in waste management, climate action and advocates equal access to resources and decision-making; ENE OSHABA was there.
Can you start by telling us about your journey into environmental management and what inspired your focus on empowering women in this field?
My journey into environmental management has been deeply rooted in my belief that women have an essential role to play in creating a sustainable future. From the very beginning of my career, I recognised the strong connection between gender equality and environmental progress. As the pioneer National Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Nigeria, I’ve had the privilege of working with local communities to tackle environmental challenges.
But what stood out to me, even more, was how women were often the unsung heroes behind these efforts. Women, particularly in rural communities, are central to the management of natural resources and the preservation of the environment. I was inspired to not only address the environmental issues we face but also to make sure that women had the tools, resources, and opportunities to lead these efforts.
You’ve mentioned women’s central role in environmental conservation. Can you elaborate on how women are involved in this process and what challenges they face?
Absolutely, in many of the communities where we work, women are the primary custodians of the environment. They manage waste, gather water, and oversee agricultural practices, all of which have direct consequences on the health of the environment. For example, women are responsible for farming in most rural areas, and they are often the first to feel the impacts of climate change, such as droughts or floods. Their knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainable practices is invaluable.
However, despite their critical roles, women face significant barriers. One major issue is the limited access to resources such as land and decision-making power. Without secure land tenure, women often find it difficult to implement sustainable farming practices or expand their livelihoods. Additionally, they are often excluded from formal environmental decision-making processes which further limits their ability to influence policies that affect their communities. For true progress, we need to ensure that women have equal access to land and that they are included in environmental decision-making. This would not only empower them but also reduce conflicts, especially in areas where natural resources are scarce.
What are the initiatives you’ve been involved in that aim to bridge these gaps and empower women in environmental management?
One of the most impactful initiatives I’ve worked on is the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP). Through this platform, we provide grants to grassroots organisations, many of which are led by women. These grants support projects focused on environmental conservation, such as waste management and sustainable agriculture. But the key here is that we work to build the capacity of these women so they can lead projects that not only address environmental issues but also create economic opportunities for their communities.
For instance, in some rural areas, we’ve supported women in transitioning from traditional farming methods to more sustainable ones that improve yields and preserve the land for future generations. We’ve also worked with women to develop waste management solutions that reduce plastic use and encourage recycling. These initiatives give women a platform to take charge of their environment and drive change.
Waste management, particularly plastic pollution, is a major environmental concern globally. What role do women play in addressing this issue, and how have you been involved in promoting solutions?
Women are at the heart of addressing waste management issues, especially plastic pollution. In many homes, women are the primary managers of household waste, and they are often the ones who make decisions about how to dispose of or repurpose materials. This means that women have a crucial role in shaping the culture around waste in their communities.
One of the projects I’m particularly passionate about involves replacing plastic with biodegradable alternatives. We’ve been working with the National Council on Environment to promote the use of materials like the moin moin leaf (Thomatococcus danieli) as an alternative to plastic. This initiative empowers women by giving them the tools and knowledge to create sustainable alternatives to plastic within their communities. By involving women in this process, we’re not only addressing the environmental impact of plastic but also improving women’s economic opportunities, as they can start small businesses around creating and selling these alternatives.
You’ve built an impressive career in environmental management, but you also emphasise the importance of leadership. How did you rise to the top in an industry often dominated by men, and what advice do you have for young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Rising to a leadership position in a male-dominated field wasn’t easy, but I always believed that purpose drives vision. I had a clear understanding of my purpose from the start: to make a meaningful impact on the environment while empowering women. This purpose gave me the vision I needed to stay focused on my goals, even in the face of challenges.
My advice to young women would be to take responsibility for their own lives and careers. Life won’t hand you opportunities; you have to go out and create them. Women, in particular, should not wait for someone to give them permission to succeed. They need to seize opportunities with both hands, even if they face setbacks along the way. Another piece of advice I’d offer is to always strive for excellence. Success comes not from doing what’s required but from going above and beyond expectations. And remember, personal growth is key -emotionally, physically, spiritually, and professionally.
You have been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment in environmental management. How do you see the future of women in this field, and what steps can be taken to ensure that women’s potential is fully harnessed?
The future of women in environmental management is incredibly promising, but we need to keep pushing for change. I truly believe that when women are empowered, they have the power to change the world. Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, especially when it comes to addressing complex issues like climate change and sustainability. The key is for women to recognise their value – not only for themselves but for their communities and society at large.
However, we can’t just wait for things to change; we must actively contribute to those changes. That means challenging societal barriers and creating opportunities for women to lead in all areas, from local environmental projects to international policy-making. We need to encourage women to think outside the box and to embrace leadership roles.
We also need to work on breaking down the structural inequalities that hold women back. For example, policies that promote equal access to land, education, and leadership positions are essential. If we invest in women’s potential, we’ll see not just environmental progress but also a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
To wrap up, what message would you like to leave with our readers about the importance of women in environmental decision-making?
My message is simple: women are key to solving the world’s environmental challenges. For too long, women have been sidelined in environmental decision-making processes, but the truth is that we cannot achieve sustainable solutions without their involvement. When women are given the platform, resources, and support they need, they can drive change and lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. It’s not just about gender equality – it’s about ensuring that we have the best possible solutions to the environmental crises we face. Women’s voices and leadership are essential for the progress of our planet, and we must ensure they are heard and respected in every environmental decision-making process.
By empowering women, we’re not just solving environmental problems; we’re building a better world for everyone. And that, to me, is the ultimate goal.
English (US) ·