Climate Action Network (CAN) Tanzania, in a significant collaboration with Bread for the World- Brot für die Welt (BfdW), successfully hosted a "Gender and Climate Change Training Workshop" on Wednesday, 14th May 2025, at the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The workshop brought together enthusiastic scholarship holders/beneficiaries, guest lecturers, and representatives from both organizing bodies (CAN Tanzania and BfdW) in efforts to underscore a shared commitment to strengthen the capacity of a new generation of leaders. The beneficiaries were equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of climate change through an inclusive, gender-sensitive lens.
The workshop's objectives were deeply rooted in CAN Tanzania's scholarship program, which aims to promote climate change awareness and actionable initiatives by supporting women and youth, particularly those from marginalized groups, in pursuing climate-related studies. By focusing on gender and climate change, the training sought to build the capacity of these leaders for enhanced climate resilience and adaptation. The workshop effectively equipped scholars with the understanding that effective climate solutions must be gender-responsive, ensuring that the vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities of all community members are identified and considered.
The day-long workshop featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda which included "Gender and Empowerment for Women and Youth", "Gender and Climate Change - Why does it Matter?", and a dynamic session on "Soft Skills for Scholarship Holders," covering effective communication, time management, leadership, and critical thinking.
Officiating the session, on behalf of CAN Tanzania Executive Director, Dr. Mkama Manyama who is the Head of Program at CAN Tanzania highlighted that this approach was in perfect alignment with CAN Tanzania's overarching strategy, which emphasizes capacity building, youth engagement, gender mainstreaming, and the cultivation of strong partnerships to drive impactful climate action and policy influence. Dr. Manyama appreciated the financial support from BfdW, which has enabled women and youth from marginalized groups to access higher education in the country. He urged the scholarship beneficiaries to effectively utilize the rare opportunity they have received to challenge the existing norms and empower our local communities in climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
The workshop was more than just a training event since it stretched into a strategic investment in Tanzania's future, which is actively realized today. By equipping young scholars with an effective understanding of gender dynamics within the climate crisis and strengthening their practical skills, CAN Tanzania and Brot für die Welt have nurtured a cohort of informed, articulate, and effective advocates for sustainable development. CAN Tanzania welcomes other stakeholders from all sectors to join forces in expanding this initiative to reach even more young people. Collaboration can take many forms, including financial support, professional mentorship, practical training opportunities, or partnerships in research and community projects.