The uptake of charcoal in Zambia is becoming an alarming reality, especially for women and girls who bear the brunt of its consequences. As we face an energy crisis—exacerbated by the low water levels in the Kariba Dam, which limits our hydroelectric power production—charcoal has become a go-to energy source for many households.
But it’s not without its costs. Women and girls spend hours gathering firewood, risking their safety and health, while the environmental toll is undeniable.
Indoor air pollution from charcoal cooking causes over 4 million deaths annually, primarily due to harmful emissions that affect women and children. Additionally, the global reliance on unclean cooking solutions costs $40 billion each year, hindering health and sustainable energy progress.
hashtag#COP29 presents a crucial opportunity to address such issues on a global scale, especially in relation to the adverse effects of deforestation, climate change, and the need for sustainable energy alternatives.
As an education activist in Zambia, I believe that the empowerment of women and girls in rural areas must go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability. By promoting clean and affordable energy alternatives and supporting educational initiatives that provide women and girls with skills and resources, we can change the narrative.
The solutions to climate change are also solutions to inequality, and education must be at the forefront of these efforts. Because empowered women and girls are key agents of change in achieving sustainable development, and it’s time to invest in their future, both in the classroom and in our communities.
