Women are often more affected than men by climate change, especially if during a natural disaster. That's according to the Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. The global change in climatic conditions is due to be one of the main issues of discussion at a conference of Small Island Developing States or SIDS being held in Samoa at the beginning of September. The more than fifty SIDS countries and territories have been recognised by the United Nations as facing specific social, economic and environmental challenges. Daniel Dickinson asked UN Women's John Hendra if women living in SIDS have to deal with unique problems.

Gambian women manage natural resources

Gambian women are becoming increasing involved in the management of natural resources, according to the Executive Director of the West African country's National Environment Agency. Ndey Sireng Bakurin says rural women are key to pushing forward the sustainable development agenda. Meanwhile, a group of senior female officials from the Gambia has formed a network to promote the importance of environmental issues in government policy. Monica Grayley asked Ndey Sireng Bakurin, how Gambian women are leading the way.

School for indigenous women helps develop leadership skills

A learning programme for indigenous women is helping human rights activists develop strong leadership skills. Aehshatou Manu, who is from the Mbororo Pastoralist community of Cameroon, says she has built new advocacy skills through the "Global Leadership School for Indigenous Women". Twenty-one women are selected to participate each year. The culmination of their experience is a visit to UN Headquarters in New York to participate in a forum on indigenous issues. Stephanie Coutrix spoke with Ms Manu, who says she is very motivated to help raise the literacy rate in her community.

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