Climate Sakhi

A gender-based training on climate change resilience for slum women

The global climate crisis is not gender-neutral. Women in developing countries are most vulnerable to the far-reaching damages of climate change- be it health hazards or natural disasters. Women belonging to lower income groups eat the last and least. Malnutrition, and living in slums with poor hygiene and sanitation exacerbate the impact of climate change. So, as warriors of the environment, we started this initiative for the women of Kusumpur Pahari slum in New Delhi.

This project was to support and safeguard women from climatic extremities and pollution through technical, behavioural, and systemic shifts

Together, we helped to build climate change consciousness among women. We sought to find a long-lasting and scientific solution to the crisis, as the area already suffers from acute water shortage. Women were empowered and youths were encouraged so that they can lead to mobilize solutions. 1000 women between the age group of 18 to 65 years engaged as Climate Sakhis. For six months they were trained through workshops, storytelling, and interactive sessions. We could make them realize that the smoke that goes inside their body is harmful. Our partners like Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) helped in our endeavor to bridge the gaps. We succeeded in creating a larger community and continue to strive towards overcoming the challenges that climate change poses upon the marginalized community.