In a major stride toward environmental sustainability and women’s economic empowerment, GreeningUp Africa, a leading non-governmental organization, has launched the Green Impact Nigeria project in Ibadan, Oyo State to empower. This initiative is to empower women in Nigeria, driving economic growth and climate action.
This innovative recycling initiative, backed by Climate-KIC (Europe’s top environmental innovation agency) and funded by Irish Aid, integrates sustainable waste management into the daily lives of women entrepreneurs, creating new income streams while tackling climate challenges.
Women: Key Drivers of Climate Action and Economic Growth
Speaking at the Global Recycling Day 2025 event, Victor Akinmuyiwa, Executive Director of GreeningUp Africa, emphasized the crucial role of women in environmental conservation and economic development.
“Women are at the heart of sustainable development. By providing them with the right tools and opportunities, we are not just addressing waste management challenges but also driving economic growth and gender equality.” – Victor Akinmuyiwa
Co-founder and Sustainability Development Coordinator, Omolayo Oyelakin, echoed this vision, stressing the transformational power of recycling.
“When women have access to sustainable opportunities, they uplift entire communities. Our mission at GreeningUp Africa is to equip them with the resources needed to thrive.” – Omolayo Oyelakin
Read also: Jigawa Trains 600 Women in Waste-to-Wealth Program for Economic Empowerment
Impact on Women and the Local Community
As part of the initiative, 120 women from Ibadan communities shared their experiences with waste-to-wealth initiatives and received essential food items, reinforcing GreeningUp Africa’s commitment to social impact and sustainability.
Key Objectives of the Green Impact Nigeria Project:
- Integrating women into the recycling economy to boost financial independence
- Enhancing climate resilience through sustainable waste management
- Creating green jobs for marginalized women
- Reducing plastic pollution in urban communities
Recycling as a Tool for Social and Economic Change
The Green Impact Nigeria initiative is more than a waste management project—it’s a movement for social change. By empowering women as active agents of environmental transformation, this project is advancing the global push for climate action, economic resilience, and gender equity.
