Envisioning Resilience
Women's Voices on Climate Change in Ghana and Kenya
As countries advance their National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes, the need for meaningful participation by people on the frontlines of climate change becomes increasingly clear.
This need is particularly important for women, who remain underrepresented in adaptation decision making due to discriminatory power structures and social norms. Inclusive dialogue is essential for effective, gender-responsive adaptation processes; however, it can be challenging to bring people with differing backgrounds and perspectives together to develop a common understanding of climate risks and vulnerabilities and identify locally led solutions.
Envisioning Resilience aims to address this, using visual storytelling as a tool for dialogue among adaptation decision-makers and women with lived experience of climate change.
Led by the NAP Global Network and Lensational, the initiative piloted in Ghana and Kenya, where groups of women were supported to develop visual stories that document their experiences with climate change, their visions of resilience, and the collective actions that are already underway. Through close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency in Ghana and the Climate Change Directorate in Kenya, the trainees had the opportunity to share their stories with decision-makers involved in the two countries’ NAP processes.
A selection of the photos is presented below. The full stories, with images available for sale, are on the Lensational website. Explore the Ghana galleries and Kenya galleries.
The impacts of climate change through women’s lenses
The images captured by the newly trained photographers illustrate the diverse ways in which climate change is impacting women’s lives, their communities, and the ecosystems they depend on.
Jennifer Atinyo, Ghana
"A home lies deserted after being submerged in flood water. Several houses that were still under construction have been severely damaged by recent floods in Taha. This house is one of them. Its fencing walls were pushed down during the floods, resulting in it being submerged in water."
Photo by Jennifer Atinyo, Envisioning Resilience, Ghana (2021)
Purchase the photo: A Home Submerged in Water
Claire Metito, Kenya
"In the rangelands of Esiteti Amboseli, Kenya, a fallen tree now rests, a stark symbol of the impact of climate change. The village has been witnessing the undeniable effects of drought, a direct consequence of this global phenomenon. Once a source of shade for children's play, a gathering spot for people seeking respite, and a grazing area for young calves, this lifeless tree stands as a premature casualty, bearing witness to the harsh and unforgiving conditions that have become all too common in our community."
Photo by Claire Metito, Envisioning Resilience, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: A Dead Tree Tells a Story of the Environmental Strain
Dorcas Abban, Ghana
"Kawusada tills a drought-ravaged land belonging to her mother in Yelpasi, Nothern Ghana. The once fertile and thriving land is now barren, and the few surviving crops are reduced to small stumps and twigs sticking out of the ground. Previously, the family grew tomato and pepper plants that bore enough for them to sell in the Tamale market. With the lack of rainfall and no way to irrigate, the crops have perished, and the family now makes weekly trips to Navrongo in search of produce to sell."
Photo by Dorcas Abban, Envisioning Resilience, Ghana (2021)
Purchase the photo: Kawusada Tills the Drought-Ravaged Land
Claire Metito, Kenya
"A young girl stands face-to-face with a cow at a shared water point. Her family was drawing water for their home at a water point where cattle were also drinking. The young girl's standoff with the cow at the shared water point is symbolic of what seems to have become a contest for a better future."
Photo by Claire Metito, Envisioning Resilience, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: A Symbolic Encounter
Women leading solutions
to build resilience
The stories shine a light on all the ways that women are leaders in finding solutions for their families and communities for increased resilience to climate change.
Catherine Pilalei, Kenya
"Sitei Lemomo, the younger of two wives, defies traditional norms and takes charge of her family's well-being by embracing various daily wage tasks within her village. One of Sitei's income-generating tasks involves harvesting sandy salt, known as Magadi, and transporting it to farmers in neighbouring Tanzania. Undeterred by the distance, she embarks on arduous journeys that span several days, traversing rugged terrain to fulfill her commitments. Sitei's resilience and initiative epitomize the strength of women in the community as they navigate economic challenges in drought seasons."
Photo by Catherine Pilalei, Envisioning Resilience, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: Empowered by Choice
Belinda Alhassan, Ghana
"Women have to walk long distances carrying water to irrigate their farms, as well as the other women's farms. They will usually take turns fetching water for everyone, so each one of them doesn't have to take on the chore too often. It has been a few months since the rain stopped in this area, and there is no sign of water coming back soon."
Photo by Belinda Alhassan, Lensational trainee, Ghana (2021)
Purchase the photo: Women Fetch Water for Irrigation
Immaculate Pisoi, Kenya
"Maue's face brightens with a smile as she admires the bountiful produce of eggs from her chickens. Recognizing the resiliency of this endeavour in the face of challenging climatic times, she has dedicated herself to poultry farming, specifically for the purpose of egg production. The eggs serve a dual purpose in Maue's household. Some are utilized as a valuable source of nutrition for her family, providing them with wholesome meals. Meanwhile, the surplus eggs are sold, generating a steady income that contributes to their financial stability."
Photo by Immaculate Pisoi, Lensational trainee, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: A New Source of Sustenance
The power of collective action
Collective action is a compelling theme throughout the stories—women are coming together to support each other in strengthening their livelihoods in the face of climate change. This support is an essential resource that contributes to the resilience of families and communities.
Belinda Alhassan, Ghana
"Women from Kumbong-Kukuo have formed a group that supports each other during harvests. Here, women from the area are helping Mrs. Khadija with harvesting maize on her farm."
Photo by Belinda Alhassan, Envisioning Resilience, Ghana (2021)
Purchase the photo: Women from Kumbong-Kukuo
Misper Apawu, Kenya
"A gathering takes place as a group of women convene for a collective savings meeting. Recognizing the prolonged nature of the drought, each member contributes a modest amount to a shared fund. This collective effort enables the group to purchase essential items, with a particular focus on acquiring food, especially sugar. The significance of sugar becomes evident as the women strongly believe that adding it to their tea provides them and their children with the necessary energy to endure the day, even in the absence of other meals. Through their communal support and resourcefulness, these women strive to sustain themselves and their families amid the ongoing drought."
Photo by Misper Apawu, Envisioning Resilience, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: Women's Collective Effort to Combat Drought Challenges
Grace Ntesio, Kenya
"One thing observed during these changing times is that the indomitable strength of women in our community shines brightly. The woman standing confidently on the roof signifies a determined act of rebuilding her home in preparation for the impending rain. Surrounding her, supportive neighbours join forces, embodying the power of community as they come together to assist in constructing a sturdy roof."
Photo by Grace Ntesio, Envisioning Resilience, Kenya (2021)
Purchase the photo: Building Together
Though the stories are personal to each photographer, they powerfully illustrate the unique ways in which women are affected by climate change, as well as their resilience in the face of increasing risks and changes. More than documentation, the women’s photo stories provide a basis for policy dialogues on adaptation strategies that build on existing capacities and strengthen the resilience of both communities and individuals. Moreover, the skills gained by the trainees have opened up new avenues for generating income. The experiences through Envisioning Resilience in Ghana and Kenya demonstrate that visual storytelling is a useful tool for amplifying women’s voices in climate change adaptation planning.
Photo by Grace Ntesio, Envisioning Resilience, Ghana (2021)
Buy the photo: A Woman's Arms Adorned in Maasai Jewelry Building a Roof
Envisioning Resilience in Ghana and Kenya is an initiative of the NAP Global Network and Lensational, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency in Ghana and the Climate Change Directorate in Kenya. Funding for the initiative is gratefully received from Global Affairs Canada.
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