By: Mamadou Gagigo
The Young Africans Network for Global Goals (YANGG) hosted the inspiring Grand Finale of the Women and Girls Climate Conference 2025 today in Banjul, uniting visionary leaders, policymakers, poets, and community advocates. The event spotlighted the pivotal role of women and girls in climate action, emphasizing resilience, equality, and inclusive solutions for a sustainable future.
The conference served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, with participants sharing innovative strategies to address climate challenges while prioritizing the needs of women and vulnerable communities. Discussions underscored the power of gender-inclusive approaches in shaping effective climate policies and fostering resilience against environmental crises.
Lamin Desmond Colley, YANGG Gambia’s National President, delivered a compelling case for inclusive climate governance. He presented evidence demonstrating that integrating gender perspectives into project design and implementation significantly enhances outcomes. “When women and girls are at the table, climate solutions are more impactful and equitable,” Colley stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize diverse voices in decision-making processes.
Merry K. Badjie, YANGG’s Global Vice President, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s broader mission. “YANGG is committed to addressing the challenges faced by women and youth, not only in climate change but across critical global issues,” she said. Badjie highlighted the conference’s role in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering sustainable development.
The event also drew support from prominent Gambian lawmakers, including Hon. Fatoumata Njai and Abdoulie Njai, National Assembly members for Banjul South and Banjul Central, respectively, who praised YANGG’s efforts to build a network of young African leaders dedicated to advancing the continent’s development. They stressed the importance of collaboration between YANGG and Gambia’s youth to drive meaningful change.
Modou Lamin Bah, Member of Parliament for Banjul North, offered a sobering perspective on climate change’s impact on the capital city. He outlined three critical pillars of climate action: sustainability and livelihoods, health and well-being, and education and awareness. “Women and girls are central to these pillars,” Bah noted. “Their contributions are vital in protecting maternal rights, addressing gender-based violence, and empowering communities through education on climate challenges.”
The conference featured dynamic exchanges, with poets and advocates adding creative and emotional depth to the discussions. Participants explored practical strategies to ensure women’s voices shape climate policies, from grassroots initiatives to national frameworks. The event underscored the intersectionality of climate change, gender equality, and social justice, inspiring attendees to champion inclusive solutions.
By centering women and girls in the climate dialogue, YANGG and its partners are paving the way for transformative change, proving that resilience and equality are inseparable in the fight against climate change.
The event marks a significant step toward empowering women and girls as leaders in environmental sustainability, with their voices driving the charge for a better tomorrow.
