Harare, Zimbabwe: African Ecofeminism have called for a Just Feminist- Henry Neondo
The African ecofeminists convening in Harare on Wednesday called for a just, feminist and people-centred energy transition that protects communities, women’s rights and the environment.
Convened by SHINE Collab under the theme “Building Ecofeminist Futures Beyond Extractivism and Transition Mineral Frontiers,” ** the gathering come at a critical moment as Africa becomes increasingly central to the global demand for transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper, nickel and rare earth elements needed to power the clean energy economy.
While recognising the importance of renewable energy in addressing the climate crisis, participants warned that the energy transition must not reproduce the same systems of exploitation, dispossession and environmental destruction that have historically characterised extractive industries across the continent.
“A truly just energy transition cannot be achieved if it is built on the continued exploitation of African communities, ecosystems and women’s labour. Climate action must place justice, dignity, ecological integrity and community wellbeing at its centre,” said Dr Melania Chiponda, Executive Director, Shine Collab, a global feminist movement of CSOs, grassroot community based organisations and faith-based groups.
On the first day of the week-long convening, participants reflected on the realities of mining, climate governance, energy transition and women’s leadership in defending land, livelihoods and natural resources.
Experiences shared from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and other African countries revealed a common pattern of environmental degradation, pollution, land dispossession, inadequate compensation, shrinking civic space and weak accountability despite the immense wealth generated from mineral resources.
