Ecofem Tales

Elizabeth Wathuti, affectionately known as Liz Mazingira, is a passionate environmentalist from Kenya and one of the youngest global voices advocating for environmental sustainability. Through her powerful message, "If we lose the environment, we lose everything that makes life possible. It’s time to put the planet and people before profits," she affirms the urgent need to prioritize ecological balance over short-term gains. As the founder of the Green Generation Initiative, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to empowering communities, particularly women and girls, to be at the forefront of environmental conservation. Her initiative focuses on nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship, starting with young people. By planting over 30,000 trees and creating eco-awareness programs in schools, she has ignited a movement that emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Elizabeth recognizes the pivotal role women and girls play in sustaining ecosystems...

In the heart of Nigeria, where vibrant rainforests meet sprawling savannahs, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola is creating ripples of change that transcend the environment. Her work masterfully intersects women’s empowerment and environmental conservation, proving that when women thrive, so does the Earth. Olanike’s passion for conservation isn’t just about saving trees or wildlife, it’s about addressing deeper societal imbalances. Growing up in a community where environmental degradation and gender inequality were glaring realities, she witnessed how women bore the brunt of these challenges. From trekking long distances to fetch water to farming on depleted soils, their struggles fueled her determination to create a sustainable and equitable future. "Despite being the backbone of agricultural labour in many communities, countless women in Nigeria are denied the right to own the very land they till," Olanike emphasizes. "This systemic inequality not only perpetuates poverty but ...

Damien Mander, a former Special Forces soldier turned conservationist, is a prominent advocate for environmental protection and gender equity. Through his organization, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), Mander has pioneered initiatives that not only protect wildlife but also empower women in some of the most vulnerable communities across Africa. His work demonstrates the transformative potential of aligning environmental conservation with social justice. In 2017, Mander launched Akashinga (“The Brave Ones”), an all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe. The program was built on a simple yet radical idea: that women could be empowered as leaders in conservation while simultaneously transforming their lives and communities. Akashinga recruits women from disadvantaged backgrounds, including survivors of domestic abuse, single mothers, widows, and orphans. By giving these women access to training, employment, and leadership opportunities, the program fosters resilience and...

I am Favour Ojieh, a chemical scientist and the founder of VOCA (Voice of Climate Action). Growing up in Obiaruku, Delta State, Nigeria, surrounded by lush green landscapes and natural beauty, I developed an innate love for the environment. However, it wasn’t until my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Bayelsa, where I was assigned to the Ministry of Environment, that this love transformed into purpose. I vividly remember the day a devastating flood swept through my apartment. It was a wake-up call that underscored the vulnerability of our communities to environmental challenges. My director, Mr. Ere Wakedei, introduced me to environmental meetings, including one with Terra Global. These experiences opened my eyes to the urgent need for climate action, especially at the grassroots level. Fueled by passion and a desire to create change, I embarked on a journey to find solutions. My research into recycling began with a simple yet impactful idea: addressing plastic waste. I envis...

In Nigeria, Ifedolapo Runsewe, founder and CEO of FREEE Recycle Limited, is at the forefront of sustainable development, transforming discarded tyres into valuable products while empowering women and protecting the environment.  Ifedolapo holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Madonna University and a Master's in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos. Her career began in the banking sector, with roles at Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank in Sierra Leone, and Access Bank Plc, where she served as a branch manager. However, her passion for environmental conservation led her to establish FREEE Recycle Limited in 2018, commencing operations in 2020. Nigeria faces a significant environmental challenge, generating over three million waste tyres annually. These tyres, when improperly disposed of, contribute to pollution and health hazards. Witnessing hazardous piles of burning tyres at landfills inspired Ifedolapo to act. Through FREEE Recycle, she proce...

Fatou Jagne Senghore is a distinguished advocate for human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability. She hails from The Gambia and her work has transcended national borders, positioning her as a leading voice in Africa’s fight for equity and justice. While she is widely recognized for her contributions to governance, freedom of expression, and media development, Senghore’s commitment to environmental advocacy particularly through a gendered lens deserves special attention.   Senghore has consistently emphasized that the fight for environmental justice must include gender equality. She believes that women, especially those in rural areas, play an essential role in sustainable development. From managing natural resources to spearheading grassroots climate resilience initiatives, women have a deep connection to their local environments. However, they often lack the support, recognition, and access to decision-making platforms necessary to amplify their impact....

Nnimmo Bassey, a globally celebrated environmental activist from Nigeria, is renowned for his relentless fight against environmental degradation and his advocacy for social justice. While much of his work focuses on resisting harmful corporate practices and advocating for community-driven environmental solutions, Bassey’s contributions to gendered environmental advocacy are a profound yet often underexplored dimension of his legacy. Bassey recognizes that environmental issues disproportionately impact women, particularly in African communities. Women are often the primary caregivers and food providers, relying heavily on natural resources for their families' well-being. When these resources are threatened by deforestation, oil spills, or climate change, it is women who bear the brunt of the consequences. This understanding has shaped Bassey’s advocacy, emphasizing the need to include women in environmental decision-making processes. In his campaigns, Bassey has consistently highlig...