Women lead climate fight as Kigoma builds disaster resilience

KIGOMA: A NEW initiative launched in Kigoma Region is seeking to change how communities prepare for disasters and respond to the growing impacts of climate change, with women and young people placed firmly at the centre of the solution. The project, titled Strengthening Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience, is being implemented by UN Women with funding from the Government of Japan and in close collaboration with the Kigoma Regional Authority. It forms part of a broader regional programme covering Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience and early warning systems. The initiative comes at a critical time. Across Tanzania and much of sub-Saharan Africa, climate-related shocks are becoming more frequent and severe, disrupting livelihoods, threatening food security, damaging infrastructure and straining essential services. Launching the project in Kigoma, UN Women Representative in Tanzania, Katherine Gifford, said climate change is far more than an environmental challenge. “Climate change and disasters are not gender-neutral. Women and girls often face the greatest risks, yet they are also at the forefront of resilience and recovery,” she said. According to Ms Gifford, the project seeks to ensure that women and youth are not viewed merely as recipients of assistance but as key actors in designing and implementing solutions. “Through this partnership, we are investing in stronger institutions, local leadership and climate-resilient livelihoods so that women and youth are not only protected from disasters but are empowered to shape the solutions,” she said. Her remarks underscore a reality increasingly supported by global and national data. Under a worst-case climate scenario, climate change could push an additional 158.3 million women and girls into extreme poverty by 2050, with nearly half of them living in sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 236 million more women and girls could also face food insecurity. The situation is particularly relevant in Tanzania, where women play a major role in farming, water collection and household food security. Yet, according to the 2025 Gender and Environment Survey, women are less likely to receive early warning information and remain significantly underrepresented in water management committees. For development experts, this illustrates how climate change often magnifies existing inequalities. Those with the least access to information, resources and decision-making opportunities frequently face the greatest consequences when disasters strike. Kigoma Region has experienced many of these challenges firsthand. Flooding, damage to infrastructure, declining agricultural productivity, loss of property and disruptions to income-generating activities have increasingly affected communities across the region. While the impacts are widespread, not everyone experiences them equally. Women, youth, femaleheaded households, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups often face greater difficulties because of limited access to productive resources, technology, financial services and information. Speaking on behalf of the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Regional Administrative Secretary for Public Service Zabibu Mkamba said the region recognises both the vulnerabilities and the strengths that exist within these groups. “Women and youth should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of assistance. They should be recognised as active participants, leaders and innovators in disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts,” she said. She noted that women and young people possess valuable knowledge, experience and leadership potential that can significantly strengthen resilience efforts within families and communities. The newly launched project is designed to translate those principles into practical action. The first component focuses on strengthening Kigoma’s disaster risk reduction systems through the development of a gender-responsive framework that will guide planning and implementation at regional and local levels. ALSO READ: Climate Action: How SBL is leading the way in curbing climate change The framework is expected to ensure that the needs, experiences and priorities of women, youth and vulnerable populations are fully reflected in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies. The second component centres on capacity building. Local government officials, frontline responders, disaster management committees and community leaders will receive support to improve their ability to prepare for and respond to disasters in ways that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens. Particular attention will be paid to preventing and responding to gender-based violence, a risk that often increases during disasters, displacement and disruptions to social services. “Preparedness and response