Climate change is affecting everyone, but for girls in marginalized communities, the impact is often much worse. They face everything from being forced out of school to being more vulnerable to gender-based violence. But the truth is, girls have an incredible ability to drive change—especially when it comes to climate action. The Global Girls Creating Change (G2C2) project, a partnership between MUCOBADI and Restless Development, is all about helping these young women become leaders in the fight against climate change. Through training, mentorship, and advocacy, G2C2 is giving girls the tools they need to make a difference, both locally and globally.

Why Climate Change Hits Girls Harder

In many parts of the world, especially in rural and marginalized communities, girls are often the first to feel the effects of climate change. When droughts or floods hit, it’s often girls who are pulled out of school to help at home. In some cases, climate disasters force entire families to move, which puts girls at risk of exploitation and violence. On top of that, girls are rarely involved in decisions that could help them adapt to or fight against climate change, leaving them without a voice in matters that deeply affect their lives.

Yet, these same girls have the potential to be powerful advocates for their communities. They have insights and experiences that make them uniquely qualified to lead climate action. What’s missing are the opportunities and resources to help them take on those roles. That’s exactly where the G2C2 project comes in.

What is the G2C2 Project?

The Global Girls Creating Change project is designed to help girls become the climate leaders their communities desperately need. Focused on young women aged 18 to 24 in Mayuge, Jinja District, and Jinja City, the project provides training, mentorship, and support so these girls can tackle climate challenges head-on. G2C2 aims to build a girl-powered movement that influences climate policies and creates solutions that work for everyone.

The project has three main goals:

1. Help girls build the skills they need to take on climate action
2. Create a coalition of girls who can influence climate policies
3. Encourage girls to co-create climate solutions in their communities

Building the Next Generation of Climate Leaders

One of the first things G2C2 focuses on is building girls’ capacity to lead. This starts with training that gives them a solid understanding of climate change and its impact on their communities. These girls, known as Girl Champions, learn to conduct youth-led research, which helps them analyze local climate issues and identify opportunities for action. This research is important because it’s the foundation for everything they’ll do moving forward.

The girls also receive training in Green Entrepreneurship and Climate Activism. These sessions teach them how to turn climate challenges into opportunities by developing eco-friendly business ideas that can generate income while helping the environment. From sustainable farming to renewable energy, the options are endless. With these skills, the girls are not just addressing climate change; they’re creating livelihoods for themselves and their communities.

Mentorship plays a big role too. Girl Champions are paired with mentors from different sectors who guide them through their journey. These mentors help the girls sharpen their skills, connect with important networks, and stay motivated. The project also sets up peer support groups, allowing the girls to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another throughout the process.

Amplifying Girls’ Voices in Climate Policy

It’s not enough to just teach the girls how to be leaders—they also need to be heard by the people making decisions. That’s why G2C2 puts a big emphasis on policy advocacy. The girls work together to create girl-led advocacy action plans, drawing on what they’ve learned through their research and training. These plans are their roadmaps for influencing policies that matter to them.

To make sure their voices are heard, G2C2 connects these girls with national platforms and forums where they can engage policymakers directly. They will even be part of global events like COP30 in Brazil, where they’ll present their ideas through a Global Girls Climate Manifesto. This manifesto will reflect the voices and experiences of girls from marginalized communities and push for more inclusive climate solutions on a global stage.

Co-Creating Climate Solutions

One of the most exciting aspects of the G2C2 project is giving girls the chance to create real, tangible climate solutions. With support from local partners, the girls work on co-creating innovative ideas that address both environmental and social challenges in their communities. Whether it’s coming up with ways to conserve water, manage waste, or promote sustainable agriculture, the girls are leading the way.

G2C2 also hosts an Innovation Grant Pitch Competition, where the girls pitch their ideas to secure funding for their projects. The winners not only get financial support but also receive ongoing mentorship and technical assistance to bring their ideas to life. This ensures that their climate innovations have a lasting impact.

Shaping a Global Movement for Change

At its core, G2C2 is about more than just local climate action—it’s about building a global movement led by girls. As these young women grow in confidence and ability, they are not only transforming their communities but also influencing the global climate conversation. The skills and experience they gain through the project will help them become lifelong advocates for climate justice, ensuring that the next generation of environmental leaders is more inclusive, equitable, and diverse.