“We Cannot Solve Climate and Ocean-Related Problems Without Gender Justice”

Women Fund Tanzania, in collaboration with the Gender and Climate Change Tanzania Coalition (GCCTC), brought together more than 70 participants for a COP12 Tanzania side event themed; “__Women and Girls at the Frontline: Advancing Blue Carbon, Adaptation, and Coastal Resilience in the Ocean-Climate Nexus.” _ _ The event, held in Dar es Salaam on 6 November 2026, provided a platform for women and young people to share their experiences and discuss the challenges affecting their participation in climate action and the blue economy.

Participants included representatives from civil society organisations, government, development partners, academia, research institutions, the media, the private sector, women’s groups, and young women entrepreneurs.

The discussion highlighted how women and girls are affected by climate change and the degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems, despite their important role in the blue economy.

In her welcoming remarks, WFTT’s Executive Director, Rose Marandu emphasized that women should not be seen only as beneficiaries of development projects, but also as leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and partners in finding solutions to climate and ocean-related challenges.

During pannel discussions, participants highlighted social attitudes that limit women’s and girls’ participation in economic groups and leadership, particularly in coastal areas. Ziyana Masoud explained: _ “Women and girls in Pemba still face challenges in joining economic groups because of community attitudes. Some people do not support women and girls pursuing leadership and economic opportunities because they believe they lack the ability to succeed.”_

The discussion also highlighted that although women contribute to marine resource production, processing, and local livelihoods, their work is not always recognised or adequately supported. Many women-led initiatives face limited access to funding and opportunities to influence decisions. Participants also noted that organisations often work separately, making it harder to share knowledge and achieve common goals.

To address these challenges, participants called for stronger collaboration among women’s organisations, government institutions, researchers, the private sector, development partners, and communities. They also recommended creating more opportunities for women and girls to influence decisions, increasing funding for women-led initiatives, strengthening local resource mobilisation, and challenging harmful social norms that limit women’s participation.

The event reinforced an important message: protecting our oceans and responding to climate change requires more than environmental action. It also requires gender equality, fair access to resources, and meaningful participation by women and girls in decisions that affect their lives and communities.