How women and girls vulnerable to climate change are fighting back
The IndependentSign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Jeniffer, 61, who was forced to marry at the age of 13, has been the driving force to influence women and girls in Tangulbei, to continue with education and resist child marriages As the climate crisis worsens, Jeniffer has focused on teaching women how to adapt their sources of income, turn to small businesses and abandon their unproductive farms due to rapid weather changes and irregular rain patterns. open image in gallery Rosemary, in Isiolo, is a local leader and works with a youth activist networks and severe drought is her biggest concern The impact on women and girls is staggering, Rosemary has seen a rise in girls dropping out of school and young girls getting into early marriages due to shortage of food. “We have nothing here because we don’t have proper shelter, food, water, and the other basic necessities.” open image in gallery Sada, 30, in Maroodi Jeex region, is a farmer and her family and lifestock have all been significantly affected by drought Crops that usually feed Sada’s family have died due to a lack of water and they are no longer able to sell their livestock, which have become sick and weak. Aida said: “Can you imagine that when I came here in 1998, there were a lot of trees around here, but today you can see for yourself that there are no more trees and even the grass dries up due to the rise in sea level making the soil saltier.” “Our children who attend the school of Djirnda often miss their lessons because they cannot get to school and this obviously has an impact on their results.” open image in gallery Kady on Maya Island Kady, 40, works as a fisherwoman and has had to adapt to rising sea levels in her village.