Ecofem Tales

The morning air smelled of damp earth and pine as Gaura Devi stepped outside her mud-walled home in Reni village. The Himalayan forests surrounded her like an old friend, their tall trunks whispering secrets in the wind. These trees were more than just wood, they were shelter, firewood, food, and protection from the landslides that sometimes tumbled down the mountainsides. But that morning, a dangerous rumour had spread through the village like wildfire. The loggers were coming. Gaura Devi wiped her hands on her sari, her heart pounding. The government had sold the trees to a logging company, ignoring the women’s pleas. The men of the village were away, working in the fields. If no one stopped the loggers, the trees would be gone by nightfall. She gathered 27 women, young girls, grandmothers, mothers carrying babies. Together, they marched up the rocky path toward the sacred trees. The loggers arrived shortly after, their axes slung over their shoulders. One of them sneered at Gaura. ...

  Temilade Salami, also known as Global Temi, is a distinguished Nigerian environmentalist, climate education advocate, and marine biologist. With over four years of experience leading youth-driven environmental sustainability initiatives across Nigeria, she has made significant strides in promoting ecological awareness and action. Temilade's passion for the environment was evident early in her life. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the University of Lagos between 2014 and 2018. Her academic journey continued at the University of Sussex, where she earned a Master’s degree in Environment, Development, and Policy. This advanced education equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. In 2018, Temilade founded EcoChampions, a youth-led organization dedicated to bridging the climate education gap in Africa. Under her leadership as Executive Director, EcoChampions has become one of Africa's largest networks of young e...

In the heart of West Africa, where the Sahel meets the savannah, emerges a formidable advocate for environmental justice: Oureratou Ouedraogo. An environmental economist hailing from Burkina Faso, Oureratou has dedicated her career to intertwining the threads of gender equality and climate action, ensuring that sustainable development is both inclusive and effective. As the National Coordinator for Burkina Faso at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Oureratou specializes in development issues, sustainability, and gender mainstreaming in policies and programs. Her academic foundation includes a Master's in Economics with a focus on Macroeconomics and Development Management, complemented by advanced studies in Integrated Management and Sustainable Development of the West African Coastline, as well as international gender studies.  Oureratou's leadership extends to her role as President of the African Network on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development (ANGEL_SD)....