Climate change leaders have emphasised the importance of empowering women through intergenerational conversations to promote not only career development but also strengthen the role of women in driving impactful climate action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

This, according to them, would create opportunities and platforms for women to take active leadership roles in climate action, in line with national policy frameworks.

At a SheDialogue lunch event held in Accra, participants indicated that the role of women in Ghana’s climate change sector has increasingly become a crucial element in promoting gender equity and social inclusion. This aligns with key policy frameworks such as the Lima Work Programme on Gender, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s National Adaptation Plan.

Thus, encouraging discussions on career and personal development in the context of climate action between established women leaders and emerging talents creates a platform that promotes intergenerational equity and provides a balanced space for growth.

In line with the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN)’s collaborative approach, the event brought together distinguished mentors and emerging leaders from Ghana. Notable mentors included Dr. Adelina Maria Mensah, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS); Madam Roselyn F. Adjei, Director of the Climate Change Directorate at The Forestry Commission of Ghana; Dr. Portia Adade Williams, Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and IPCC AR6 Africa Contributing Author; and Madam Fortune Kyei, Coordinator of AFSA Agroecology Projects at Guzakuza.

Mentors shared both their professional and personal journeys, discussing the challenges they faced and the milestones they achieved throughout their careers. A common theme emerged across these stories: the importance of making an impact wherever they were, building meaningful networks, and continuously improving their knowledge and skills by embracing new roles and responsibilities that brought them closer to their goals.

These stories have played a key role in prioritising equity and inclusion within climate policy and practice, both nationally and globally. One mentee shared her reflection saying that, listening to the mentors made me realise they paved the way for us.

"My ‘aha’ moment came when one mentor spoke about how it took her eighteen years to reach where she is today. She continually educated herself, enrolled in different courses, contributed in whatever room she found herself, and took up a role that was unchartered by many women, it made me realise that I too can."

Emphasising the importance of cross-collaboration among women to promote equity, Dr. Portia Adade Williams expressed her eagerness to build lasting networks and contribute to the growth of more change-makers realizing their full potential.

She shared her key message “you can be who and what you want if you stay focused, determined, committed, explore opportunities, build your #capacity and your network and stay connected!”

They said, meaningful dialogues, strengthened connections, and a unified commitment to positive change are essential for fostering gender equity, social inclusion, and impactful mentorship in the climate action space, all while aligning with the established policy and thematic frameworks to drive a sustainable and inclusive future.