This Earth Day, we’re reflecting on the importance of building green skills for women and girls. Climate change is affecting communities globally, and women and girls often face increased risks from climate-related changes.vAcross our countries of focus, we see the impacts of climate change firsthand.

Heavy rains, floods, and landslides in Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka have displaced families and damaged homes, schools, and training centres. In Pakistan, extreme heat has made outdoor activities unsafe, forcing changes to learning schedules. In Malawi, natural disasters such as Cyclone Fred and El Niño have driven severe food insecurity and financial strain. Unpredictable weather patterns in places like Bangladesh and Malawi are also disrupting agriculture, leading to job losses, water shortages, and reduced school attendance, particularly for women and girls.

These challenges are not just environmental, they also create social, economic, and educational barriers for women and girls. Climate-related disruptions can limit access to education, healthcare, and essential services, and increase pressure on food security. Looking at current climate trends, it is estimated that by 2050, climate change will push 158 million more women and girls into poverty (UNWomen).

That is why investing in green skills for women and girls is essential. When women are equipped with knowledge, skills, and resources, they become powerful agents of change in their communities. Through the Empowering Women and Girls project, we are building green skills that support both climate action and long-term empowerment. Here are four actions we are taking to build green skills for women and girls:

1. Strengthening Climate Knowledge
We provide foundational training on climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction, to women and girls in their local communities. This ensures they are informed and prepared to respond to climate-related challenges in their communities.

2. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
We offer direct training in sustainable agriculture for women and girls. Participants gain hands-on experience in farming practices such as planting fruit and forest trees to restore soil health, as well as using organic composting techniques to boost crop production.

3. Expanding Access to Renewable Energy
We support the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Community partners offer training and resources for women and girls to make solar lanterns, equipping them with the skills to use and access renewable energy.

4. Improving Access to Open Source Climate Learning
We are making climate education more accessible through a growing library of open source learning resources. Our climate learning series, available to women and girls, community leaders, and practitioners, helps build practical knowledge on climate impacts and solutions. Anyone can access our open-source SCARF courses here.

By offering education and skills-building opportunities to women and girls, we are supporting resilience, adaptability, and leadership in the face of climate change. This Earth Day, we shine a light on empowering women and girls with green skills for the future.