Empowering Young Women to Drive Climate Solutions: A Groundbreaking Initiative in Uganda
The Global Girls Creating Change (G2C2) Programme in Uganda has successfully concluded its inaugural four-day training, empowering a group of Girl Champions—young girls from diverse backgrounds across the Karamoja and Eastern Regions—to become climate change researchers. Funded by HIVOS, the G2C2 Programme is a three-year initiative that leverages youth-led research to explore the challenges, beliefs, and opportunities within local social systems. In Uganda, the programme is implemented through a partnership between Restless Development Uganda, Youth Advocacy and Development Network Uganda (YADNET), and Multi-Community Based Development Initiative (MUCOBADI).
Empowering Girls as Climate Champions
Young girls, often left out of key climate action efforts, are among the most affected by climate change, especially in agrarian societies where they rely on agriculture and natural resources for survival. These girls frequently bear the responsibility of providing food, water, and fuel for their families—a daunting task as resources deplete and the effects of climate change worsen. The G2C2 Programme seeks to address this disparity by equipping girls with the skills and knowledge to conduct climate research and advocate for meaningful change.
“I had a lot of expectations in this project and they have surely been met, especially on advocacy. I have learnt that advocacy does not need me to wait for somebody to start a movement for me to get onboard, but I can actually be the foundation of a movement for change within my community,” Claire Nakasango
Key Learning Areas
The training provided the Girl Champions with essential research tools, such as Kobotoolbox—a data collection and analysis software—as well as methodologies for stakeholder mapping and identifying key climate concerns. The programme also employed creative teaching techniques, including art, role-playing, and group discussions, to enhance the girls’ understanding of the climate challenges they face. This approach not only facilitated the sharing of knowledge but also helped challenge deeply ingrained perceptions about climate issues.
In addition to research skills, the girls received training on climate change advocacy, learning how to effectively communicate complex concepts and promote everyday solutions. The capacity-building sessions also focused on inclusivity, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and safeguarding vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with impairments.
“I am excited that this is inclusive data collection and we will cater for girls with disabilities of all kinds; physical, psychosocial, intellectual. Most times these girls with disabilities are left out but this time, their voices will be heard as well’’ Namwanje Gorret
As champions for climate justice, these girls now stand at the forefront of efforts to drive transformative change in their communities, using research and advocacy to address the pressing issue of climate change in Uganda.
