{"id":175521324,"date":"2026-09-29T21:23:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T21:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afrikavuka.org\/?p=175521324"},"modified":"2026-09-30T10:32:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:32:00","slug":"rising-for-justice-women-in-rivers-state-lead-the-clean-energy-shift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afrikavuka.org\/fr\/rising-for-justice-women-in-rivers-state-lead-the-clean-energy-shift\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising for Justice: Women in Rivers State Lead the Clean Energy Shift"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, women have borne the heavy burdens of environmental pollution, health risks, and economic loss for decades. But today, they are standing up to lead a different future – one powered by clean, community-led renewable energy.<\/p>\n

Over 100 women leaders, grassroots advocates, youth, and policymakers gathered at the NOSDRA Conference Hall in Port Harcourt for the Energy Transition Summit for Women in Rivers State<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Organized by the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA), the summit coincided with Afrika Vuka Day <\/b>a continent-wide rallying cry meaning “Arise Africa.” The message was clear: African women must be decision-makers, not passive observers, in the transition away from fossil fuels.<\/p>\n

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Unity across Communities<\/h2>\n

The gathering opened with prayers spoken in three distinct local languages: Ogoni, a dialect from Rivers West, and English. This moment set the tone for total inclusion, representing women across all three senatorial districts of Rivers State.<\/p>\n

Opening the summit, Dr. Stella Amanie, Executive Director of SWAYA, reminded participants why women’s leadership is critical:<\/p>\n

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“African women have always been at the heart of community survival managing household energy, growing food, and caring for local environments. The energy transition is our window to claim our space as leaders, innovators, and clean energy entrepreneurs.” Amanie Stella, Executive Director, SWAYA<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Connecting Local Realities to Global Struggles<\/h2>\n

The summit brought together grassroots experiences and global perspectives. Virtual speakers joined from Argentina, India, and Germany to connect local issues in the Niger Delta with global movements for climate and gender justice.<\/p>\n