Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Patricia Lily Nyirenda

The essence of hard work is found in the freedom of celebration.  Are we celebrating anything at the moment? No, and yes, we are dancing to the tunes of climate change at the same time celebrating our efforts in climate action. We hope to celebrate the fruits of these efforts in the near future even if it is not us but our children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. Because women are uniquely affected by climate change they are on my mind and in my heart. My volunteering service minus women in climate action would leave a gap that can cause a lot of challenges in society which is why I cherish the mutual efforts of these women, the entire community, and myself.

Looking over to see women in my community running with me towards the CorpsAfrica Green Initiative gave me a vision of a beautiful view and peaceful life, as our prize as we planted trees in efforts to replant trees on the hills in my site. The smiles on the faces of the women and their funny stories made the tree planting exercise easy. I know we are on the same page.  We are both seeking to make the world a better place.

Sustainable development tags women along. How their rights, priorities and needs are affected by climate change need not to be overlooked. In the same way these rights, priorities and needs in climate action should be appreciated and uplifted.

Theodore Roosevelt said “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”

To the women in my community and elsewhere playing a role in climate action, you are on my mind and in my heart and I know everyone passionate and playing a role in taking care of our environment is very much proud of you. I believe we can. The courage to begin is the courage to get to the finishing line. We are not celebrating for results yet but for our actions of a common good.