WOCAN, in partnership with Vital Voices, hosted a side event titled “From Global to Local – Financing Sustainable Women-led Climate Solutions” on 20 November. This session brought together women leaders, climate and youth activists, and representatives from WOCAN, Vital Voices, and the Climate Investment Fund (CIF). The discussion provided a great opportunity to spotlight the persistent financial challenges facing women-led climate solutions and explore ways to advance meaningful support.
Cecile B. Ndjebet, President of REFACOF and WOCAN Core Associate, was a panelist at this session. She also contributed to the CIF event “Promoting Equality Through Climate Finance: Climate Investment Funds Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy Consultation.”
Reflecting on her return from COP29, Cecile offered a candid and sobering perspective on the state of global climate events. While recognizing their importance as platforms for amplifying the voices and achievements of grassroots women, she highlighted a concerning trend: a diminishing sense of solidarity, urgency, and commitment to actionable solutions. Cecile observed that, despite years of conversations and promises, these forums increasingly fail to yield the tangible financial and structural support needed at the community level, where women are driving critical climate initiatives.
Her reflections raise an urgent question: Are we doing enough to ensure that global dialogues translate into real change for those on the ground? As we continue to engage in these international spaces, it is incumbent upon us to assess whether the time, energy, and resources invested are resulting in measurable impact.
Perhaps the time has come to rethink our approach—to create a dedicated Women-Led Solution “COP”. Such a forum could center the leadership of women at the grassroots and prioritize actionable commitments, amplifying solutions that are often overlooked yet essential to achieving climate resilience.
Cecile’s insights are a reminder that the urgency of the climate crisis demands more than words—it requires bold action, deep commitment, and a renewed focus on those whose work remains the foundation of sustainable change.