Empowering Women, Preserving Nature: Olanike Olugboji-Daramola’s Conservation Legacy

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 also hinders sustainable development, as women are left without the resources or authority to make decisions about the land they cultivate." Her mission became clear to address this critical issue, advocating for land ownership rights and empowering women to take their rightful place as stewards of the environment and agents of change.

As the founder of the Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), Olanike has become a trailblazer in environmental conservation and gender advocacy. Her work highlights the critical intersection of women’s empowerment and sustainable development, showing how the two are inextricably linked in the pursuit of a greener and more equitable world.

Through WISE, Olanike equips women with the knowledge and tools to transform their communities. From training women in sustainable agricultural practices to introducing clean energy solutions like solar stoves and biogas, WISE has become a beacon of hope for countless families.

“Women are the heart of the home,” Olanike emphasizes, “and by empowering them, we empower entire communities to heal and thrive.”

Under Olanike’s leadership, WISE has implemented groundbreaking programs addressing key environmental and social challenges:

Clean Energy Adoption: WISE has introduced clean cookstove technology, reducing reliance on wood fuel and curbing deforestation. This initiative not only improves air quality but also lightens the workload for women, freeing time for education, entrepreneurship, and family care.

Sustainable Agriculture: Training programs in sustainable farming practices help women restore soil health, increase crop yields, and build food security.

Economic Empowerment: WISE incorporates income-generating activities, allowing women to gain financial independence while contributing to environmental protection.

Olanike’s work extends beyond grassroots initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for gender-responsive environmental policies, consistently calling on leaders to integrate women into decision-making processes.

“Women’s restricted access to resources, information, and decision-making opportunities makes them most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” she asserts. Olanike’s advocacy stresses that true sustainability is unattainable without addressing systemic inequalities that marginalize women.

The impact of WISE transcends environmental conservation. Women trained through the initiative often become leaders and advocates in their communities, inspiring others to take action. This multiplier effect is a testament to Olanike’s belief in the transformative power of women-led initiatives.

Olanike’s groundbreaking work has earned her international recognition. She has been a prominent voice at global forums, including the United Nations, where she advocates for the inclusion of women in sustainability discourse. Her leadership has inspired countless individuals and organizations to adopt a gendered approach to environmental conservation.

Olanike dreams of a Nigeria where every woman understands her role in shaping the environment, and every community embraces shared responsibility for conservation. “Conservation isn’t just about protecting nature, it’s about creating a world where people and the planet can thrive together,” she says.

Olanike Olugboji-Daramola’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can make a difference. Her work demonstrates that investing in women is an investment in the planet.

How will you join the movement? Whether it’s supporting local conservation efforts, reducing waste, or sharing her inspiring story, every step matters.

Let’s celebrate women like Olanike, who are not only healing the Earth but also empowering generations. Together, we can create a greener, fairer future.