Women bear a disproportionate burden due to the impacts of climate change. Their vulnerabilities stem from socioeconomic factors such as poverty, societal norms, and cultural responsibilities. Despite these challenges, women often encounter limited access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making authority. Recognizing this disparity, in 2022, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) took the initiative to inaugurate the first Women in Climate Change (WICC) conference. This platform assembled women engaged across various facets of green growth to deliberate and devise solutions addressing the multifaceted challenges they face.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural conference, a subsequent conference was organized in 2023, drawing over 250 participants. Central to this assembly was the advocacy for young female professionals to assume pivotal roles within the realms of green growth. Ensuring gender parity in climate change domains is pivotal to amplifying women’s voices in pivotal decision-making processes. Inclusion becomes instrumental in formulating policies and strategies that encompass the diverse needs of society. The integration of women into climate change careers not only addresses their specific challenges but also injects unique perspectives and experiences into this sphere, fostering a more comprehensive approach to tackling complex issues.
To contribute towards building the number of female professionals in climate change, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Uganda, in partnership with GIZ Uganda developed a WICC Mentorship Program that emerged as a response to the pressing necessity for women’s representation in the climate change sector during the second WICC conference, and to show “that we listen” the mentorship program was developed. This year’s first cohort was launched on 31st October and consists of 12 mentors and 15 mentees. This dynamic initiative looked at bridging both physical and virtual spaces, fostered interactions between mentors and mentees, and outlined roles, and responsibilities. In addition, they were introduced to the Together Mentoring platform that will be used to monitor their progress. This launch set a positive tone for the upcoming mentorship journey and created a sense of excitement among both mentors and mentees.
The program will run for 6 months, until the next WICC conference 2024. Over this period, the mentors and mentees will have to complete at minimum the following sessions: Session 1 – Get to Know Each Other; Session 2 – Setting Goals; Session 3- Solve a Particular Situation; Session 4 – Shadowing; Session 5 – Networking + Peer Feedback; Session 6 – Wrap up + next steps. The sessions are designed to encourage knowledge-sharing and cross-learning. They are at liberty to customize the sessions to their specific needs to enable maximum benefits. At the end of the mentorship program, a super mentee and super mentor will be recognized at the WICC conference in 2024.
“Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship that benefits both the mentor and the mentee,” Dagmar Zwebe GGGI’s Country Representative in Uganda said. “It contributes to the growth and success of individuals, fostering a sense of community and knowledge-sharing within a given field or industry,” Ms. Zwebe added. The program enables mentees to learn from the mentor’s expertise through insights and practical wisdom that may not be available through formal education alone, for example, insights on career decisions, work-life balance, and handling challenges. By providing this guidance, the mentor builds his/her leadership and communication skills.
After the six months of mentorship, the participants will share the lessons learned and the challenges faced. We hope that the program will create lasting professional relationships and strong advocates for gender equality and green growth. GGGI and GIZ appreciate the participants for stepping forward to mentor, and the young women who took the courage to accept the mentorship program. This commitment to empowering women underscores GGGI’s dedication to fostering female leadership in green growth spaces, thereby contributing to Uganda’s journey towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Author:
Hilda Nankya
Senior Assistant-Urban Development
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)