Recognizing the urgent need for inclusive climate solutions, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has taken a bold step by launching the Inclusive Climate Actions Team. The initiative, unveiled during a high-impact training session in Abuja, seeks to bridge the glaring gaps in climate discourse by ensuring that the voices of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not only heard but also influence policy and action.
Climate Change: A Disproportionate Crisis for the Vulnerable
At the core of the discussion was the undeniable fact that climate change disproportionately affects marginalized populations, particularly women and persons with disabilities. Despite this, existing policies and disaster response strategies frequently overlook their unique challenges, leaving them vulnerable to climate-induced crises.
Experts at the event highlighted how the lack of accessible climate forecasts and emergency communication systems heightens the risks faced by PWDs during natural disasters. The devastating aftermath of recent floods in Kwara State served as a stark reminder of this reality. Many women and persons with disabilities were left stranded, unable to access timely information or relief resources, further exacerbating their suffering.
AWWDI’s Inclusive Climate Actions Team aims to change this narrative by pushing for climate policies that prioritize inclusivity and equity. The initiative is committed to advocating for tailored climate response efforts that cater to the specific needs of PWDs and other vulnerable groups.
Media’s Role in Driving Disability-Inclusive Climate Policies
AWWDI emphasized the critical role media professionals must play in promoting disability-friendly climate policies. The organization urged journalists to take an active stance in raising awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized communities due to climate change.
“We need storytelling that does more than just report disasters; we need narratives that highlight the experiences of those left behind in climate response efforts,” AWWDI representatives stressed.
By integrating inclusivity into climate reporting, the media can drive meaningful policy changes that ensure no one is left behind.
Government, Engineers, and Policy Stakeholders Called to Action
The Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Abdulrahman Mohammed, delivered a compelling address on the need for early-warning systems and proactive disaster management strategies. He reflected on his recent participation in a National Agency for Disabilities program, admitting that it opened his eyes to the exclusion of PWDs in infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness.
Mohammed emphasized the need for collaboration with the National Society of Engineers to ensure that future infrastructure projects incorporate accessibility features. He stressed that disaster resilience must be inclusive, with proper evacuation plans and communication strategies that cater to all, especially persons with disabilities.
Albinism, Climate Change, and the Deadly Threat of Skin Cancer
A particularly emotional moment during the event came when AWWDI’s Director, Mrs. Patience Dickson, shared the often-overlooked impact of climate change on persons with albinism.
She revealed that two individuals with albinism had already lost their lives to skin cancer this year, while a dedicated AWWDI staff member continues to battle the disease. Dickson linked the rising incidence of skin cancer among persons with albinism to worsening climate conditions, underscoring the urgent need for protective policies and awareness campaigns.
“Climate change is not just about floods and droughts. It affects people in ways we often ignore. Those with albinism face increased exposure to UV radiation, yet little is done to protect them,” she remarked passionately.
She also praised the 2025 seasonal climate prediction report released by Nine Minutes, describing it as a step in the right direction for inclusive climate forecasting. However, she emphasized that more must be done, advocating for the adoption of a national climate policy that integrates the specific needs of women and PWDs.
Training the Next Generation of Climate Advocates
The training session concluded with an intensive advocacy workshop led by Project Officer Mr. Kolawole Jayeoba, equipping participants with the skills needed to drive change within their communities. Attendees left empowered to champion inclusive climate policies and push for greater accountability from policymakers.
With the launch of the Inclusive Climate Actions Team, AWWDI has sent a powerful message: climate action must be inclusive, and the time for change is now. As global climate challenges intensify, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind is not just an option—it is a necessity.
Call to Action
AWWDI calls on government agencies, policymakers, and civil society organizations to prioritize inclusivity in climate strategies. The organization also urges media practitioners to amplify the stories of marginalized groups, ensuring that their realities shape the climate agenda in Nigeria and beyond.
The future of climate action must be inclusive. The question now is: who will step up to ensure that no one is left behind?
