Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG) says it is commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day with the distribution of energy-efficient cookstoves to women in vulnerable and climate-affected communities in Chikun, Zaria, and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria.
A statement signed by the nonprofit organization’s Executive Director, Gloria Kasang Bulus disclosed this in a statement to mark the Day
“The Women Empowerment and Climate Resilient Initiative (WECRI), a project of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Programme, implemented by Bridge That Gap (BTG) Initiative, is designed to strengthen community resilience to climate change through integrated, locally led solutions.
“The project advances community-driven adaptation strategies that address desertification, promote energy-efficient technologies, while reinforcing inclusive environmental governance and sustainable natural resource management.
” By focusing on women and vulnerable groups as key actors in climate action, WECRI not only enhances environmental sustainability but also improves livelihoods, strengthens adaptive capacity, and builds long-term socio-economic resilience in climate-affected communities.
“The International Women’s Day (IWD), commemorated annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality. In 2026, IWD marks an extraordinary milestone: 115 years of collective action, advocacy, and progress toward gender equality.
Distribution of Energy-Efficient Cookstoves*
“This activity aligns with this year’s theme, of the IWD celeberation, “Give to Gain.” The initiative reflects a powerful principle: when we invest in women, communities gain resilience, improved health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. By providing clean cookstoves, BTG is not only reducing household energy costs and indoor air pollution but also lessening pressure on forests and promoting climate-smart living.
“In many underserved communities, women and girls bear the disproportionate burden of sourcing firewood and managing household energy needs. This intervention “gives” women access to safer, cleaner cooking technology; while communities “gain” improved health outcomes, increased time for productive activities, reduced environmental degradation, and strengthened climate resilience.
“The cookstove distribution forms part of BTG’s broader strategy to integrate climate action with women’s empowerment. The energy-efficient cookstoves will reduce the amount of charcoal use by more than 50%, thereby reducing tree cutting for charcoal use, and in the long-term reducing deforestation.
“This International Women’s Day, BTG calls on government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to deepen investments in gender-responsive climate solutions and inclusive community development.
About BTG
“Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG) is a nonprofit organization based in Kaduna with a vision to build sustainable communities by eliminating gaps in access to opportunities and basic rights within the vulnerable population. Through innovative programs and grassroots interventions, BTG creates pathways for change in key areas such as governance, education, climate action, livelihood support, disaster risk management, peace-building, and mental health and psychosocial support. Beyond these, we are deeply passionate about advocating for safe spaces where women and girls can thrive, free from barriers and limitations”, the statement concludes
