Before COP29: The untold story of woman fighting climate change

Mary Bada stands at the intersection of two pressing global issues—climate change and gender equality.

Raised in the arid plains of Tana River County, Mary now lives in Mombasa, where she dedicates her life to empowering women to build resilience against environmental challenges

Her journey of activism, which started at 22, is deeply personal and rooted in her upbringing and the changing landscape around her.

“The environment where I come from, the Tana River, has changed rapidly. What used to be vibrant rivers and lush grasslands has now become dry, hostile land," Mary recalls.

Mary witnessed first-hand how climate change has transformed her childhood home.

"I grew up surrounded by nature," she shares. "We had rivers full of life, and farms that fed entire communities. Now, children play football on dry riverbeds that once teemed with crocodiles and fish."

Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall have disrupted food security, forcing families to grapple with water scarcity and hunger. As resources become scarce, conflicts over water and pasture have escalated.

"People who once lived in harmony are now in disputes over what little is left," Mary explains.

"Women, especially, bear the brunt—walking long distances to fetch water and caring for malnourished children.

Mary emphasises that climate change disproportionately affects women.

"When drought strikes, it’s the women who wake up at dawn to find water and go hungry so their families can eat," she says.

Yet, despite their critical role, women are excluded from decision-making processes at local and national levels.

"Policies on climate action are often drafted without consulting the very people affected —women," she notes.

Her work addresses this imbalance by empowering women to lead climate initiatives and advocating for their inclusion in policy discussions.

"When we empower women, we empower communities."

Community-led solutions 

Mary’s activism focuses on practical solutions that build climate resilience.

She works with grassroots organisations, including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), engaging over 2,000 women in projects that restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods.

Tree planting is a key initiative in her work.

"We encourage women to plant trees in schools, churches, and public spaces," she explains.

"It’s not just about planting trees but about planting the right ones—species that are climate-adaptive and suited for the environment."

These efforts have inspired more women to take ownership of environmental projects.

"It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into something beautiful," Mary says.

Living near the Indian Ocean, Mary and her team also address marine pollution through regular beach clean-ups.

"The beaches used to be pristine, but now plastic waste covers the shorelines," she laments. "Fishing communities are struggling because marine life is dwindling."

She mobilises coastal women to participate in clean-up activities at Nyali, Bamburi, and Shelly beaches in Mombasa, in Kilifi and Diani in Kwale County.

After cleaning, they plant mangrove trees, which provide nursery grounds for fish.

Sea turtles and other creatures also use the intricate root system of mangrove trees to seek food and shelter from predators.

"It’s about more than cleaning beaches — it’s about reclaiming our relationship with the ocean," Mary explains.

Mary through YWCA has partnered with conservation groups to promote sustainable fishing practices, encouraging fishermen to use eco-friendly nets and avoid catching juvenile fish.

"Healthy oceans mean food security for our communities," she emphasises.

Her work also focuses on promoting clean energy solutions as she says that many rural households still rely on firewood and charcoal, contributing to deforestation and indoor air pollution.

“We encourage women to switch to solar energy and fuel-efficient stoves, which use less firewood and produce less smoke."

She says that switching to clean energy has improved the quality of life for many women.

"With fuel-efficient stoves, women spend less time gathering firewood and more time on income-generating activities or with their families," she notes.

Her advocacy extends to policy reform, where she pushes for better implementation of environmental and gender policies.

"We have good policies in Kenya, but many are outdated or poorly enforced," she says.

"Our role is to hold policymakers accountable and push for changes that reflect the realities of climate change and gender inequality."

Mary also champions the inclusion of women in environmental committees.

“Representation matters. When women are part of the conversation, the solutions become more inclusive and sustainable," she explains.

Mary believes in the power of partnerships.

Through YWCA, Mary says that they collaborate with community-based organisations (CBOs) led by women and work across counties, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kisumu, and Meru.

One key partner is Tunaweza Women with Disabilities, a group that highlights the intersection of climate change and disability.

"Climate change affects people differently, and marginalised groups like women with disabilities face even greater challenges," Mary says.

"Our collaboration ensures these voices are heard, and our solutions are inclusive."

Waste management is another area of focus.

"In rural areas, waste is often discarded carelessly, leading to pollution," she explains. "We train women on waste segregation and recycling, teaching them to make briquettes from organic waste, reducing dependence on charcoal."

This initiative provides a dual benefit — addressing waste disposal while creating a sustainable energy source.

"It’s amazing to see women turn waste into something valuable. It gives them pride and a way to earn income while conserving the environment."

Future leaders

Mary is passionate about mentoring young women and building future leaders.

"We equip them with skills and confidence to take on leadership roles," she says. "When girls see role models like themselves taking action, they believe they can do the same."

She also runs workshops in schools, teaching students about environmental conservation and leadership.

"Our goal is to nurture a generation that understands both climate issues and gender equality," she explains.

Looking to the future

As COP29 approaches, (November 11, 2024), Mary is hopeful about the future.

"This is a critical moment for Africa and the world," she says.

"We need to ensure African women’s voices are represented on the global stage. Climate justice and gender equality must go hand in hand."

Mary envisions a future where communities are resilient, and women are empowered to shape their destinies.

"If we continue planting seeds of change — whether by planting trees, using clean energy, or advocating for better policies — we will reap a better future."

Her dream is simple but profound: "I want to live in a world where no woman has to choose between feeding her family and protecting the environment. A world where everyone plays their part in caring for the earth."

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