13/10/2025
ABSA TRAINS WOMEN FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE, CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
ABSA Bank Zambia says the institution has trained over 800 women to build financial and climate resilience in response to climate change.
Organisation's Chief Risk Officer, Sarah Lloyd, stated that the masterclasses covered topics such as sustainability and how to remain financially stable during economic shocks.
She added that more than 200 women had also been trained through innovation labs to strengthen entrepreneurial skills.
Lloyd explained that Zambia had experienced droughts and shifting weather patterns in recent years due to climate change.
She noted that while everyone had been affected, the impacts were felt most by vulnerable communities.
Lloyd emphasised the need for financing that prioritises people and the planet alongside profits.
She highlighted ABSA’s commitment to supporting green financing and environmental guarantees.
Lloyd pointed out that inclusive leadership must amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change.
She stressed that leadership is not limited to executives but includes individuals in families, communities, and workplaces.
Lloyd said every step taken toward environmental justice contributes to bold action and systemic transformation.
This came to light during the 2025 Climate and Environment Justice Rally organised by Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) held at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia, under the theme 'Justice Has No Borders, United for a Greener Tomorrow'.
The event was supported by the European Union, Danish Church Aid/ Norwegian Church Aid, Carter Centre, Environment Africa, Hivos, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), Action Aid, Family Development Initiatives, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Meanwhile, ActionAid Zambia Country Director Faides Tembatemba said communities affected by climate change were not alone, and that the organisation stood with them in pursuit of environmental justice.
Tembatemba stated that Zambia was on the front line of the climate crisis, despite contributing very little to global emissions.
She noted that sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and water were suffering from droughts and outbreaks that had reversed development gains and deepened inequality.
Tembatemba emphasised that civil society remained essential in mobilising voices, demanding accountability, and ensuring climate justice became a reality.
She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by ActionAid Zambia Business Development Manager Geoffrey Sinzala.
And Family Development Initiatives (FDI) Board Chairperson Abubakar Rwabogo reminded the audience of the Quranic verse from Chapter 7, verse 66, which warns against causing corruption on Earth and calls for invoking Allah with humility and hope.
Rwabogo stated that the rally was more than a gathering — it was a moral and collective call to action rooted in faith and stewardship.
He emphasised that protecting the environment means protecting families, empowering women, and supporting future generations.
Rwabogo reaffirmed FDI’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience in both rural and urban areas and called for shared responsibility among all institutions to address the climate crisis.