Environmental Protection: Involving Women In Climate Change Adaptation

In the face of climate change and its consequences, the contribution of women in environmental protection, especially their adaptation to climate change, cannot be undermined. It is against this backdrop that a pan-African conference on the theme, “Strategic Stakes, Opportunities and Central Role of Women,” organised by Femme Adapt Climat took place at the National Assembly on May 28, 2026. It was chaired on behalf of the House Speaker, Hon. Théodore Datouo by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mary Meboka. The House Speaker however made a brief appearance at the event. The conference falls within the context of a tour of 14 African countries geared at raising awareness on the adaptation to climate change. In her opening address, the female legislator said the conference serves as a moment where Africa’s voice guided by women, have come together to discuss one of the most pressing issues of current times – climate change. The choice of the National Assembly, she said, is pertinent because it is where decisive debates are held and far-reaching decisions on the nation taken. To this effect, she cited the adoption on December 8, 2024, the Finance Law of Cameroon for 2025 which introduced a climate sensitive budget for environmental protection. This, she stated, indicates Cameroon’s commitment to environmental protection, especially at a time when the continent is experiencing rapid urbanisation. In her opinion, the recommendations of the conference will serve as a blueprint for decision-making given the consequences of climate change. Regions of the country experience droughts, and devastating floods, steady advancement of the ocean, and water sources drying up; all which affect agricultural production and consequently the food chain. With women in Cameroon (60 to 80 per cent) involved in farming and/or food processing, it is paramount for their resilience to be enhanced and creativity supported. Statistics, Hon. Mary Meboka added, indicate that less than 15 per cent of women have access to arable land and le...