FAWEZA Champions Girls’ Education as a Climate Resilience Strategy in Zambia
The Forum for African Women Educationalists Zambia (FAWEZA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing girls’ education as a key pathway to climate resilience, following a joint monitoring visit with Katla Carbon Founder, Guðný Nielsen.
During the visit, Ms Nielsen described Zambia as a pioneering country in a first-of-its-kind approach that links girls’ education to climate action through carbon financing.
She highlighted that, with the Government’s strong commitment to free education, interventions are now more targeted, providing opportunities to reach the most marginalised girls more effectively.
“The purpose of the visit was to observe FAWEZA’s work on the ground, understand what it takes to keep girls in school, and learn directly from beneficiaries and schools about what is working and where more support is needed,” Ms Nielsen said.
She emphasised that the initiative also aims to generate practical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
Global research, she noted, continues to show that girls’ education contributes to sustainable development, strengthens community resilience, and delivers long-term climate benefits. However, she observed that this potential is not yet fully reflected in climate financing.
“This initiative seeks to reposition girls’ education as a credible, evidence-based climate solution deserving of increased investment and recognition,” she added.
During interactions with learners in Southern Province, Ms Nielsen praised the girls’ ambition and determination, noting their potential to become future leaders, including Zambia’s first female President.
Through the Katla Carbon Project, FAWEZA is working to increase the number of girls completing secondary school by addressing barriers to education while creating a sustainable revenue stream for civil society organisations.
The project is currently being implemented in 17 schools across Choma, Monze, Mazabuka, and Namwala districts, with additional reach in Lusaka, Pemba, and Chikankata.
Earlier this week, FAWEZA management and Ms Nielsen held a strategic meeting with officials from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to strengthen collaboration and partnerships in addressing climate change through education.
