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)....

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...