RECOFTC 182d ago

Twenty-one gender leaders from nine countries across South and Southeast Asia have completed RECOFTC’s ‘Weaving leadership for gender equality’ or Waves leadership programme. All Waves alumni are helping drive systemic change at the intersection of forestry and gender equality. Usha Thakuri, from Nepal, for instance, is working on the formulation of gender-responsive climate change adaptation plans at the local government level, aiming to institutionalize women's voices in disaster risk reduction. Similarly, Indonesia’s Amalia Rizkyarini is leading an awareness campaign focused on the intersectionality of climate change, gender-based violence, and mental health, a critical but often underreported area of climate resilience. The graduates came together at the RECOFTC main office in Bangkok, Thailand from 18 to 20 November to complete their 15-month journey. With support from the Government of Sweden, Waves empowers young professionals to implement specific change projects within their communities to address critical gaps in current environmental policy.