In the face of increasing climate-related challenges, women are often unrecognized heroes, showing resilience and addressing vulnerabilities. Their voices, however are often overlooked in policy discussions, preventing their participation in decisions that affect them. In working to support countries in their NAP processes, National Adaptation Plan Global Network (NAP GN) noted that governments recognize the value of grassroots communities’ insights.

The challenge is how to make these dialogues happen, and how to find a common language to talk about climate change, its impacts, and strategies for building resilience.

Upon discovering Lensational’s method of empowering women through photography and storytelling, a significant potential was recognised in utilizing these visual narratives as a means to convey their perspectives and stimulate discussions about climate change adaptation. Consequently, a partnership to pilot an innovative approach was established in May 2021 with financial support from Global Affairs Canada. In this initiative, participants were trained to capture and document their lived experiences with climate change and their aspirations for resilience.

This report highlights the significant impact of this partnership on policymakers and its potential for meaningful engagement with policy makers in addressing climate change adaptation.