This report presents findings of a network analysis study on the interconnectedness of groups working on gender and climate change in East and West Africa. The study examines how regional organizations, particularly those focused on women's rights and environmental issues, collaborate with global partners to enhance their efforts. The network analysis reveals a well-connected system of regional and global actors working collaboratively to address the dual challenges of gender inequality and climate change. Women Environmental Programme (WEP) stands out as a highly influential organization, acting as a major connector within the network. With the highest betweenness centrality, WEP plays a critical role in facilitating interactions and partnerships between other regional organizations and global entities. FEMNET and Women in Environment (WiE) also emerge as key players in the network.
Global partnerships, particularly with organizations like the Global Fund for Women, UN Women, and the Ford Foundation, are pivotal in supporting these regional efforts. These global organizations provide essential financial support, capacity building, and advocacy platforms, enabling regional organizations to amplify their impact. The Global Fund for Women and UN Women, for example, play crucial roles in elevating regional organizations to international platforms, ensuring that local efforts are recognized and supported globally. Fundings from philanthropies like the Ford Foundation has been instrumental in enabling regional organizations to implement long-term projects that address both climate resilience and gender equality.
However, the collaborations between regional organizations and global partners fall primarily into three areas: advocacy, capacity building, and financial support. Advocacy partnerships focus on influencing national and international climate policies to be more gender-responsive. Capacity-building efforts aim to strengthen the operational capabilities of regional organizations, equipping them with the technical expertise needed to scale their projects and ensure long-term sustainability.
This study underscores the critical role of collaboration in promoting gender-responsive climate action. Strengthening these partnerships, particularly by involving more grassroots organizations and expanding cross-regional collaborations, is essential for building resilient, gender-equitable societies in Africa. Continued international support will be crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges of climate change, especially for women in vulnerable communities.
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