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A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG), is marking the International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD) by distributing energy-efficient cookstoves to women in vulnerable communities in Kaduna State.
The energy-efficient cookstoves are expected to reduce charcoal use by more than 50 per cent, helping to curb tree cutting and slow deforestation.
The distribution, scheduled to commence on March 11, is targeting women in climate-affected communities in Chikun, Zaria and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas.
Gloria Bulus, Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday, March 8, in Kaduna.
Bulus said the gesture is aimed at supporting women’s empowerment while strengthening climate resilience in underserved communities.
She explained that the intervention was part of the Women Empowerment and Climate Resilient Initiative under the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement Programme implemented by BTG.
According to her, the project promotes community-driven climate adaptation strategies that address desertification, promote energy-efficient technologies and strengthen inclusive environmental governance.
Bulus said the initiative focused on women and vulnerable groups as key actors in climate action while improving livelihoods and strengthening adaptive capacity.
She added that the project also seeks to build long-term socio-economic resilience in communities affected by climate change.
International Women’s Day, commemorated annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The 2026 celebration marks 115 years of collective advocacy and global progress toward gender equality.
Bulus said the cookstove distribution aligned with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” which emphasises that investing in women would lead to wider social, economic and environmental benefits.
She noted that providing clean cookstoves would help reduce indoor air pollution, lower household energy costs and promote climate-smart living.
The ED explained that the initiative would also reduce pressure on forests by limiting dependence on firewood and charcoal.
According to her, women and girls in many underserved communities bear the burden of sourcing firewood and managing household energy needs.
She said the intervention would provide safer cooking technology while enabling communities to benefit from improved health outcomes and increased time for productive activities.
Bulus said the activity formed part of BTG’s broader strategy to integrate climate action with women’s empowerment and sustainable community development.
She called on government institutions, private sector actors and development partners to deepen investments in gender-responsive climate solutions and inclusive development initiatives.
Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative is a Kaduna-based non-profit organisation committed to building sustainable communities by closing gaps in access to opportunities and basic rights among vulnerable populations.
Through grassroots programmes, the organisation supports governance, education, climate action, livelihood development, disaster risk management, peace-building, mental health support and the creation of safe spaces for women and girls.
By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
