ndigenous Peoples and feminist movements have issued a strong call for a rights-based, inclusive energy transition as global leaders convene for the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia.

In a joint position shaped by global consultations and frontline experiences, Indigenous leaders emphasized their status as rights-holders and custodians of lands, waters, and biodiversity. They insisted that climate and economic justice cannot be achieved without respecting their right to self-determination, as well as Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and legal protections for their territories.

They warned that any transition strategy that overlooks these principles risks repeating historical injustices under the guise of green development.

Feminist organizations, including Shine Collab, echoed these concerns, advancing an eco-feminist vision that challenges entrenched systems of patriarchy, colonialism, and extractivism. According to the groups, transitioning away from fossil fuels must go beyond replacing energy sources and instead address structural inequalities within global economic systems.

“There is no justice in a transition that replicates dispossession under a green label,” said Dr. Mela Chiponda of Shine Collab.

“We must transform systems of power and ensure affected communities are leading the process.”
Across the Global South, concerns are mounting over “green extractivism,” particularly the expansion of mining for critical minerals used in renewable technologies.

Indigenous representatives say such activities, often carried out without community consent, risk causing environmental harm, land dispossession, and cultural disruption similar to fossil fuel extraction.

Feminist advocates added that these impacts disproportionately affect women, increasing care burdens, reducing livelihoods, and heightening exposure to violence.

In Zimbabwe’s Bikita district, these challenges are already visible. Rising lithium mining activities have intensified pressure on land rights and local governance.

In response, Shine Collab and partners launched the Hanyanya Solar Project, a community-led renewable energy initiative that empowers women with access to clean energy while strengthening their knowledge of land rights and advocacy.

The initiative is being highlighted as a model for equitable energy transition, demonstrating how community-led solutions can improve livelihoods while reinforcing local agency.

“The experience in Bikita shows that alternatives already exist,” Dr. Chiponda added. “When women lead, the transition becomes sustainable and just.”

At the core of the joint call is a demand for inclusive, gender-responsive decision-making, respect for Indigenous governance systems, and protection of lands and natural resources. The groups also rejected what they described as “false climate solutions,” including geoengineering and market mechanisms that commodify nature.

Instead, they advocated for decentralized, community-owned renewable energy systems that promote energy sovereignty and equitable access.

The statement further highlighted the importance of recognizing care work—largely carried out by women as central to sustainable societies, urging governments to support it through policy reforms and public investment.
Additionally, both Indigenous and feminist leaders called for direct climate financing to communities, bypassing restrictive intermediaries, and stressed the need for reparative justice to address historical harms caused by extractive industries.

Organizers of the Santa Marta conference noted that the gathering is intended to complement, not replace, formal global climate negotiations. Outcomes from the meeting are expected to inform discussions ahead of COP31 in November 2026.

As deliberations continue, the message from Indigenous and feminist groups remains clear: a just transition must be built from the ground up, centered on rights, equity, and community leadership not profit.

About Shine Collab

Shine Collab is a global feminist network that advances gender-just solutions at the intersection of energy access, climate resilience, and community power and supports women-led renewable energy initiatives.

www.shinecollab.org

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Junior Chamber International JCI Abuja Metropolitan has commemorated the International Women’s Day 2026 with a large-scale skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering women and young people in the Federal Capital Territory.

The training, held on March 27, 2026, at the Basketball Court Area 1 Garki, brought together over 120 participants who were equipped with practical skills to enhance economic independence and promote grassroots development.

Participants received hands-on training in diverse areas including baking, soap making, crocheting, social media marketing, bleach and air freshener production, as well as food production such as chin chin, doughnuts, peanuts, and yoghurt making.

Speaking at the event, the President of JCI Abuja Metropolitan, Abende Tyonenge Sylvester, urged attendees to take full advantage of the opportunity by applying the knowledge gained and extending it to their communities.

“These skills will help us become self-reliant and take meaningful action in empowering our communities,” he said.

As part of efforts to support entrepreneurship, five outstanding participants were shortlisted to receive financial backing to kick-start their businesses.

The organization also expressed appreciation to its partners and collaborators, including the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Project 100, KLEO Aid Foundation, Diplomat Park and Garden, PreshyHookedCrafts, UPAM Nigeria, De Comrade Homes, and the Aids for Street Adolescents’ Education Initiative, among others, for their support in ensuring the success of the initiative.

The event highlights JCI Abuja Metropolitan’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development through capacity building and inclusive empowerment initiatives.

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A heartwarming Christmas outreach in Enugu State, specifically in Obeleagu Umana Community, saw 110 widows receive food items and cash donations to help them celebrate the festive season with their children.

The initiative was a collaboration between two non-governmental organizations: Mee & Cee Development Foundation and Ugo Odu Foundation.

The widows received packs of rice, beans, groundnut oil, wrappers and other essential food items, along with cash donations to support their families.

The impact was immediate, as many beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude and relief.

“This means everything to us,” said Mrs. Esther Jinegwo, a widow and mother of three. “We will finally enjoy a decent Christmas meal with our children.”

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The Founder of Mee & Cee Development Foundation, Ms. Chy Ogamba, explained that the outreach was aimed at supporting vulnerable widows struggling to make ends meet.

She noted that the initiative would enable them to celebrate a better Christmas and look forward to more joyful seasons ahead.

Similarly, Chief Greg Ezeakonobi of the Ugo Odu Foundation stated that the outreach was designed to remind the widows that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Representing Mee & Cee Development Foundation, Mrs. Vivian Amalu highlighted that the collaboration was born out of like-minded individuals sharing a strong passion for widow welfare, with the goal of bringing hope and joy to vulnerable families.

The partnership between Ugo Odu Foundation and Mee & Cee Development Foundation was widely praised by members of the community.

Dr. Mrs. Zika Greg of the Ugo Odu Foundation remarked, “Together, we made a real difference,” adding that the outreach is expected to inspire greater support for widows and vulnerable families within the community.

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In celebration of International Youth Day 2025, the Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN) Initiative has unveiled the Top 10 Emerging Youth Voices in Civic Leadership young leaders whose bold actions are advancing inclusion, justice, and sustainability in Nigeria in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition comes at a time when civic voices in Nigeria face increasing challenges, including government clampdowns, reduced activism, and shrinking platforms for advocacy. Despite this, these young Nigerians continue to stand firm, championing the rights of the marginalized, underrepresented, and oppressed.

The honourees are celebrated for their contributions across diverse fields, from social accountability and electoral integrity to climate justice and human rights.

READ ALSO: IYD: Nigeria Beyond Politics; The Role of Youth in Development in a Dynamic Digital World

The Top 10 Emerging Youth Voices in Civic Leadership 2025:

1. Ifenla Oligbinde – Inclusion advocate and founder of Ark and Rainbow Development Foundation (ARDEF).
2. Emmanuel Sani – Lawyer and civic leader advancing digital transparency at PROMAD Foundation.
3. Ojonugwa Yahaya – Advocate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and sustainable development.
4. Yusuff Liadi Abiodun – Civic innovator and founder of iLEAD Africa, promoting youth participation in governance.
5. Yazid S. Mikail – Data scientist and environmental leader driving youth-led climate action.
6. Ewa Blessing – Environmental champion and founder of YASIF Nigeria, empowering women and youth.
7. Chima Ernest Okoli – Literacy promoter and inclusion advocate through Buddy Bookclub and sports development.
8. Emmanuel Humanity Obiabo – Founder of StateCraft Foundation, mobilizing youth for civic and community leadership.
9. Fasasi Sodiq – Founder of Fasasi Youth Foundation (FYF), continental advocate for inclusive development.

Speaking on the recognition, DEAN Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of young people who are redefining civic leadership in Nigeria, despite the shrinking democratic space.

“We celebrate these ten remarkable individuals who, through passion and resilience, are making Nigeria more inclusive, just, and sustainable,” the organisation stated.

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“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” Chronicles One King’s Stand Against Gender-Based Violence, Drug Abuse, and Harmful Cultural Norms

A newly released documentary from the WABMA Foundation is drawing national attention to the remarkable story of reform led by a traditional ruler in southeastern Nigeria.

“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” captures the courageous leadership of His Royal Majesty, Eze G.C. Onwuka, as he breaks cultural taboos to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), drug abuse, and oppressive widowhood practices in Umutowe Autonomous Community, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.

The 19-minute documentary blends gripping visuals with firsthand testimonies from survivors, community members, and the king himself.

Once a place where women were excluded from land ownership, widows were oppressed, and drug abuse among youth was rampant, Umutowe is now undergoing a quiet transformation — driven by one king’s vision of justice, dignity, and inclusion.

“Those things we were practicing before, we don’t practice them now in this community,” says Eze Onwuka in the film. “The changes are manifesting in their own way. Most of these problems come from lack of education — that’s why we have to educate them.”

Produced under the WABMA Foundation’s SGBV advocacy program and supported by the Ford Foundation, the documentary tells the stories of:
• A woman Vice President General (PG) appointed into the king’s cabinet;
• A rape survivor’s family that found legal justice with palace backing;
• A widow freed from degrading rites and provided support;
• Youths now feeling safer due to the impact of the king’s community security initiative.

Now Streaming on YouTube

“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” is now available for public viewing on YouTube at:

The documentary will also feature in ongoing community engagement screenings, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and SGBV policy dialogues across Abia State and the Southeast region.

WABMA Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by investing in community-based education and empowering the next generation to become change agents in their schools and communities.

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