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Thato Gabaitse, a climate activist, posing for a picture, during the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 18, 2024. Photo: Seth Onyango, bird story agency "Girl's girl", Thato Gabaitse explores the overlaps of gender violence and climate change, hoping to turn the climate crisis into an opportunity for women. Seth Onyango, bird story agency Thato Gabaitse takes a sip of her coffee, her first real pause after hours of shuttling between meetings. COP29 is a whirlwind of negotiations and high-stakes diplomacy, but Gabaitse’s mission cuts through the noise. “I’m here as a feminist to hold the line...I am a girl's girl,” she declares, her sheer resolve etched on her face. As a climate justice advocate from Botswana, Gabaitse is no stranger to challenging entrenched systems. Her mission is to highlight how the twin crises of climate change and gender inequality are deeply intertwined and demand urgent, equitable solutions. However, her journey into the climate space has hardly been linear — it was forged in the fires of advocacy against gender-based violence. "It all started with a group of women in Botswana standing up and saying, ‘Let’s take this to the streets,’” she recounted. These early days of activism focused on addressing the rampant but often undocumented violence plaguing communities, especially in rural areas. Gabaitse and her peers lobbied parliament, rallied for justice, and amplified the voices of survivors. But as her work took her deeper into Botswana’s communities, another crisis came into sharp focus: climate change. “In Botswana, most communities depend on subsistence farming,” she explained. “But with extreme and extended droughts, families are struggling to survive.” Gabaitse began to see how the effects of climate change exacerbated existing gender inequalities. Women, already burdened with care roles, were now walking longer distances for water and struggling to feed their families as crops withered under an unrelenting sun. Yet, the climate solutions Gabaitse encountered often failed to account for these realities. “There’s so much misinformation and misalignment,” she noted. “Programs meant to help people don’t reach the communities that need them most.” The gaps — between policy and reality, between rhetoric and impact — is where Gabaitse increasingly chose to work. Through her organisation, Breathe the World Botswana, she now helps young climate advocates navigate the labyrinth of international climate policies and funds. “In Africa, we’re always playing catch-up,” she observed. “If young people don’t understand the technical language of negotiations, they can’t align their projects to make the impact that’s needed.” Her advocacy doesn’t stop at translation. She’s calling for nothing less than a systemic overhaul of how climate finance is distributed. “Africa needs the money,” she said bluntly. “We need it in grants, not loans.” Her argument is clear: loans perpetuate a cycle of dependency and debt, forcing governments to divert funds from essential services like agriculture, water, and health. “Moving money from one pot to another doesn’t solve the problem—it makes it worse.” For Gabaitse, true progress requires an end to what she described as “a cycle of neo-colonialism.” She has pushed for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to complement the Paris Agreement, ensuring that the Global South receives both the technical and financial support needed to transition away from fossil fuels. For her, this isn’t just about meeting emissions targets, it’s about justice. “Climate change is hitting the most vulnerable communities the hardest,” she said. “The money must go directly to the people who need it most.” The narrative around women's role in communities is also something that she said needs to change. “Women are not just victims of climate change—they’re at the forefront of finding solutions,” she asserted. In many communities, women organise themselves, creating grassroots strategies to adapt to climate impacts. Yet they remain underrepresented at decision-making tables. “If we don’t have women there, we’ll never act at the scale and speed that’s needed.” Her work in gender equity has also evolved. “It’s no longer just about women empowerment,” she said. “It’s about gender equity—representing all marginalized groups, including men who are struggling, and addressing mental health issues that often go unspoken.” The shift reflects the complexity of the challenges she’s tackling. The stakes are high, and the resources are limited. “There’s so little of us and so much to do,” she admitted, before hurrying on to her next meeting. At COP29, Gabaitse has called for unity among African stakeholders — civil society, negotiators, and governments — to push for a common agenda. “Right now, we’re all speaking different languages. One is technical, the other is more of demands. But we want the same thing.” She said she envisions a future where these groups come together to form a cohesive strategy, amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage. “We have the power to get what we want... We just need to move in an integrated way.” For Gabaitse, hope is a driving force. Despite the overwhelming challenges, she’s committed to the fight — for gender equity, for climate justice, for a future where the wounds of inequality and environmental destruction are healed. “Let’s keep on pushing,” she said, her voice unwavering. “We’re rooting for our leaders, and we’re watching. We want an equitable, just transition—not just words, but action.” In her words and work, Gabaitse is the face of a resilience and resolve that the fight against climate change seems to demand. As she continues to navigate the intersections of gender violence and environmental crisis, she offers a powerful reminder: the struggle for justice, whether social or environmental, is ultimately the same fight — and it’s always one worth waging. bird story agency

Nancy Chiuri working out while pregnant in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo Courtesy: Nancy Chiuri What do a mother of five, an IT expert, and a fitness pioneer have in common? Everything — if you’re Nancy Chiuri. From her home in Pretoria to prisons and orphanages across Africa, she’s helping women get their groove back. Seth Onyango, bird story agency Nancy Chiuri steadies herself, her youngest son perched playfully on her shoulders as she lowers into a deep squat. His laughter bubbles over as she counts her reps. For Chiuri, fitness isn’t confined to a gym; it’s woven into everyday life. She believes in working with what’s at hand — whether that’s a park bench, a pair of water bottles, or, in her case, her kids, who are often part of her routine. “Motherhood gives you enough weight to carry—sometimes literally,” she joked. “Why not turn it into something that builds you up?” This down-to-earth ethos underpins the wellness initiative Chiuri founded to help women and mothers integrate fitness into their everyday lives. Called Mama Fitness Kenya, Chiuri's initiative has sought to inspire women to embrace wellness no matter their circumstances, showing them that transformation starts right where they are, with what they have. Chiuri, an IT expert with a Master’s in Project Planning Management, is also a motivational speaker who emphasises that while fitness can be an important way for women to regain strength after childbirth, it is also about reclaiming confidence, balance and building a sense of self. She has been doing it one squat, one stretch, and one empowered woman at a time. Nancy Chiuri working out with her child in her home in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo Courtesy: Nancy Chiuri Her programs and improvisations are designed to meet women where they are — be that in a bustling household or even, as in a previous program at women’s prisons in Nairobi, in the most challenging of circumstances. Her programs don’t just focus on physical health but also incorporate mental and emotional well-being, grounded in the belief that a strong mother builds a strong family and, ultimately, a strong community. Mama Fitness Kenya began with a simple idea: make fitness accessible and practical for women, especially mothers. Chiuri noticed that traditional gyms and workout spaces often felt exclusionary to women juggling family responsibilities, financial constraints, or the physical changes brought by motherhood. “Not everyone can afford a gym membership, and even if they can, many mothers don’t have the time or flexibility to go regularly,” Nancy explained. Her solution was to design workouts that could be done at home or in shared community spaces, using everyday items. From water bottles for weights to furniture for stability, her programs quickly gained traction. Her slogan, “Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy community,” became the cornerstone of her movement. Nancy Chiuri posing for a photo with her fitness community during a bootcamp in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo Courtesy: Nancy Chiuri “Fitness isn’t just about looking good,” she said. “It’s about feeling good, being present, and staying ready to handle whatever life throws your way.” One of her most significant projects took place at Langata Women’s Prison in Nairobi, Kenya, where she worked with incarcerated women. Many of them were mothers themselves, separated from their children but still carrying the emotional weight of parenthood. “In prison, fitness became a way for these women to reclaim a sense of control and purpose,” she said. Her sessions focused not only on physical exercise but also on mental wellness, incorporating techniques to manage stress, build confidence, and foster resilience. For these women, who often faced societal stigma upon release, Chiuri’s program became a lifeline. Her work in Langata was a springboard for more initiatives. Chiuri expanded her reach to other marginalized communities, conducting wellness workshops in rural areas and underfunded urban neighbourhoods. Her adaptability and hands-on approach quickly earned her respect and admiration. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, Chiuri pivoted to online platforms, ensuring her followers could stay active and connected despite lockdowns. Through Zoom, she hosted virtual fitness sessions and panel discussions, inviting experts to speak on topics ranging from maternal health to mental resilience. Nancy Chiuri posing for a photo in her office in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo Courtesy: Nancy Chiuri “Women needed more than just exercises,” Chiuri recalled. “They needed support, a community, and practical advice for navigating a very uncertain time.” Her digital series attracted participants from across Africa, solidifying Mama Fitness Kenya as a trusted resource for holistic well-being. The mother of five’s work has taken her across Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa, where her expertise is sought after by health organizations and community leaders. In Ethiopia, she collaborated with local groups to provide postpartum fitness programs tailored to cultural norms and available resources. Now based in Pretoria, she connects with her family through prayer, a ritual that she says strengthens their bond and provides balance amid her busy schedule. She also gives back to her community by supporting orphanages and schools not only through fitness programs but also professionally as an IT specialist, helping improve their systems and operations. Raising five boys while running a growing movement is no small feat, but Chiuri approaches parenting with the same holistic philosophy she brings to her fitness programs. Her household is a lively but structured environment. Mornings begin with physical activity, whether it’s a walk, a game of football, or a quick workout together. Meals are homemade and focused on nutrition, and evenings often include conversations around books, school projects, or life lessons. Nancy Chiuri posing for a photo with her family in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo Courtesy: Nancy Chiuri Mama Fitness Kenya has grown into a recognisable brand with a loyal following. Chiuri’s social media platforms, where she shares workout routines, tips for healthy living, and glimpses into her family life, have attracted thousands of followers. Looking ahead, Chiuri hopes to see Mama Fitness Kenya become a global movement. Her plans include developing fitness curriculums for schools, launching a line of affordable fitness gear, and expanding her online platform to include multilingual content for broader accessibility. As she sets her youngest son down, her movements fluid and unhurried, she is already thinking about her next steps. bird story agency

Yasmin Sizwe, a social scientist and analyst at Xpotential Mining Services, posing for a picture, during the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, November 16, 2024. Photo: Seth Onyango, bird story agency A landmark deal struck at the UN climate summit in Baku could unlock billions of dollars in carbon offsets for Africa, with women set to carve out a considerable share of the market. Seth Onyango, bird story agency Yasmin Sizwe stood alone at the South African pavilion, headphones perched over her braids and her gaze fixed intently on the panel ahead. “I’m here to listen and learn,” she said, expounding on her enthusiasm for decoding the complexities of global carbon markets and mapping a way forward for Africa. “It’s a whole new way to look at reaching climate change goals.” The concept of a market for carbon credits is for credits to be bought that allow organizations to offset their emissions by funding projects that actively reduce carbon elsewhere. While concerns have arisen over the validity of some projects - with attendant claims of "greenwashing" - for Africa, the market represents an unprecedented opportunity. The African Carbon Markets Initiative aims to expand Africa’s carbon credit market 19 times by 2030, unlocking over U$6 billion and creating 30 million jobs. This is expected to spark investment in clean energy and forest projects across Africa. The continent’s rich biodiversity and natural resources make it uniquely positioned to lead the charge. “Africa has the space and the diversity to create impactful projects,” Sizwe explained. “We’re rich in animals, plants, trees, people — a landscape perfectly suited for innovative solutions that generate real value.” As a social scientist and analyst at Xpotential Mining Services, Sizwe is part analyst and part advocate. Her work revolves around brokering carbon credits, a market that could redefine Africa’s place in the global climate economy. Sizwe’s work revolves around facilitating these projects. As a project developer and broker, her role involves connecting projects that reduce carbon emissions with buyers looking to offset theirs. “You develop your project, and as it starts reducing emissions, those reductions can be sold as credits,” she said. “It’s one of the most creative strategies we have for reaching climate change goals.” But for women like Sizwe, the carbon credit market offers more than just financial potential — it’s a space to address systemic inequalities and create opportunities for communities often left behind. Women are increasingly carving out space in the carbon credits sector, a trend that Sizwe finds both inspiring and natural. “Women should be everywhere.” It's a simple but powerful message. Unlike industries like mining, where gender disparities are stark, Sizwe noted that the environmental space feels more balanced. “I’m relatively new to this space, but in my journey, I’ve encountered a lot of women,” she said. “At this COP, they even mentioned that women occupy most of the roles in the environmental sector, which I found fascinating.” Sizwe believes that women’s contributions in this space go beyond representation. “I think women’s involvement can open up the space and make it more accessible,” she said. The huge disparity between men and women she has seen in the mining sector, is not in the environmental and sustainability space, she explained. "Maybe this is just something that women are drawn to because it has a course, there's a goal, and you're making an impact with these kinds of careers,” she said, adding that the impact-driven nature of carbon credit work resonates deeply with women. Whether it’s creating reforestation projects that provide jobs or restoring degraded land that strengthens food security, these initiatives align with community-focused solutions, she explained. Studies indicate that involving women in climate initiatives enhances outcomes and optimizes climate finance utilisation, according to a report by Social Development Direct. Examples include an ecosystem services program in Indonesia, Peru, and Tanzania that found that forest user groups with a 50% gender quota conserved more trees and distributed payments more equitably than those without such quotas. bird story agency