ENCO distributing trees fromthe nursery bed to community members
In the semi-arid plains of Engaruka, northern Tanzania, where drought and environmental degradation threaten livelihoods, a transformative initiative is taking root. Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO), a grassroots organization, is turning the tide by by planting the seeds of hope—one tree at a time—to nurture a greener, more resilient Engaruka for generations to come.
A photo of ENCO donating waste bins to the comuntiy of Engaruka
On a bright Saturday morning in Engaruka, Tanzania, the usual hum of daily life gives way to a remarkable sight. Community members—women, men, children, and shopkeepers—are out on the streets, armed with brooms and dustpans, determined to make a difference. Before opening their shops, they work together to sweep and tidy the streets. This weekly custom is about more than just keeping the area clean—it’s a powerful symbol of transformation, led by Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO) through the “Women at the Centre of Climate Justice” project.
In the bustling mining areas of Geita, a city in NorthWestern Tanzania known for its gold trade, the land tells a story of struggle and resilience. Small-scale mining, a lifeline for many in this region, has left behind scars—bare plains, polluted waters, and abandoned sites marked by deep craters—each one a reminder of the toll the activity has taken on both the environment and the communities that rely on it.Yet, amid these challenges, women are leading groundbreaking efforts to fight climate change impacts in the region.
Following the Regional Youth Forum on Peace and Security held in October 2024 in the DRC, the African Union Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU PAPS) convened a CSO Regional Dialogue on the Revitalization of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region on December 4–5, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Peace and Security Cooperation Framework (PSCF), originally signed in 2013, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for peace, stability, and regional cooperation in the Great Lakes Region. However, persistent insecurity, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises have hindered its full implementation. The revitalization process aims to strengthen regional cooperation, address emerging security threats, and enhance the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including youth and civil society, in peacebuilding efforts.
As a direct outcome of the Regional Youth Forum, youth delegates and civil society partners from the DRC, Burundi, and South Sudan were invited by AU PAPS to contribute to the dialogue. Their participation ensured that key recommendations from the Youth Forum—particularly on youth inclusion in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and governance—were presented at a higher policy level.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for young leaders to advocate for more inclusive peace processes and influence regional policy discussions. As a key outcome, a final communiqué capturing the priorities and aspirations of youth and civil society actors was shared with state and non-state actors reinforcing the need for a more participatory approach to peace and security in the region.
The Peace Centre remains committed to amplifying youth voices in peacebuilding, ensuring that their contributions continue to shape policies and strategies for sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region.
As the Executive Director of Score Beyond Leadership and a certified basketball coach, Mavita Ali stands at the intersection of sports, leadership, and climate justice. Her innovative approach to empowering women and youth has left an indelible mark on communities grappling with climate challenges. Through sports, Mavita transforms lives, nurtures leadership, and champions environmental resilience.
Gratias Kibanja Lukoo, est un défenseur passionné des droits des enfants et des femmes, et un leader infatigable dans les efforts de lutte contre le changement climatique en République démocratique du Congo.
Martha Mereso Sengeruan, the Executive Director of Engaruka Community Initiative Organisation (ENCO), is a champion for climate justice. Her leadership focuses on empowering marginalized voices, fostering sustainable solutions, and ensuring communities take ownership of building climate resilience. She believes that climate justice must address the root causes of inequity, advocating for inclusive solutions that bridge social and environmental concerns.
Growing up in the Maasai community of Engaruka, Tanzania, Martha experienced firsthand how environmental challenges disproportionately affect women and vulnerable groups. These experiences inspired her to establish ENCO, an organization committed to promoting sustainable practices and empowering communities. Under her guidance, ENCO has become a platform amplifying the voices of women, youth, and indigenous communities disproportionately affected by climate change. By integrating climate justice principles into all its initiatives—ranging from education to agriculture—ENCO ensures that both environmental and social vulnerabilities are addressed holistically.
Nagasha Jemimah Nyakato, a civil engineer and founder/CEO of Eco Options Uganda, is transforming the intersection of women’s health, sustainability, and climate action. Her journey is rooted in her commitment to social equity, environmental stewardship, and feminism. With a visionary approach, Nagasha addresses the deeply intertwined issues of menstrual health and climate justice, empowering women to lead sustainable solutions for their communities.
Recognizing the challenges many women face regarding menstrual care, Nagasha was inspired to seek sustainable solutions that alleviate financial stress, reduce environmental waste, and uphold women’s dignity. Her journey began when she discovered menstrual cups, a cost-effective, reusable alternative to traditional menstrual products. After experiencing the life-changing benefits firsthand, she saw an opportunity to bridge a glaring gap in the local market, particularly for rural women.
On 25th November 2024, during the National Launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Kampala, the Women’s International Peace Centre was honored with a prestigious award by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in recognition of our unwavering commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Uganda.
Glory watering trees recently planted to promote climate resilience
Glory Mlaki is a Tanzanian woman activist, policy analyst, researcher, trainer and facilitator with over 15 years working on issues of human rights, legal, sexual and gender based violence. She also cordinaes various livelihood initiatives and projects focused on strengthening community capacities to adapt to climate change and enhance their wellbeing in rural communities.
Glory’s journey began as a Legal Officer providing aid to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. While working with women and girls, she uncovered a deeper issue: the profound link between climate change and violence. Economic instability from climate effects such as droughts and floods often fueled domestic violence, leading Glory to expand her focus. “I realized that addressing climate change could mitigate the root causes of violence,” she shares.
By integrating climate advocacy with her legal expertise, she has developed innovative approaches to strengthen community resilience.
Glory’s work centers on empowering women to take the lead in climate adaptation, ensuring that their voices are heard in policies and decision-making.
Creating Sustainable Solutions
Glory’s work focuses on building both immediate and long-term resilience in rural communities. From organizing tree planting and waste management projects to training women in organic farming and renewable energy use, her efforts improve livelihoods while protecting the environment. She also works to simplify complex climate policies and disseminates them in local languages, enabling communities to understand and advocate for their rights.
Her projects have supported small-scale producers, miners, and adolescent girls, equipping them with tools and knowledge to transition to climate-resilient activities. For example, she has helped women shift from traditional farming to sustainable businesses, despite challenges like limited capital and technical expertise.
Glory emphasizes the critical role rural women play in climate adaptation.
Women hold traditional knowledge in farming, food storage, and resource management. Their leadership ensures sustainable practices are passed to future generations,” she explains.
By fostering women’s leadership in climate action, Glory addresses systemic barriers such as gender norms, lack of education, and restricted access to resources.
Through capacity-building workshops, Glory empowers women to participate in decision-making at all levels. She also amplifies their voices through media platforms and advocacy campaigns, ensuring their priorities shape climate policies.
A capacity building session with women on climate change mitigation and adaptation
Vision for a Gender-Equal, Climate-Resilient Africa
For Glory, a gender-equal, climate-resilient Africa means equitable access to resources, education, and decision-making power for all.
We need policies that prioritize women’s leadership and fair distribution of climate finance,” she says. Her vision includes empowering marginalized groups and integrating Indigenous knowledge into climate solutions.
Glory is passionate about mentoring young women, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in climate action. She believes that equipping youth with knowledge, opportunities, and platforms to lead will ensure sustainable progress in the fight against climate change.
Call to Action
Glory urges individuals and organizations to support grassroots leaders by funding community projects, amplifying women’s voices, and sharing success stories.
We need to unite, advocate for policy changes, and participate in global platforms to bring attention to the realities faced by women on the ground,” she says.
As a steadfast advocate for climate justice, Glory Mlaki continues to inspire transformative change, proving that empowering women is key to building resilient and sustainable communities.
