Grassroots to Green: How Earthlife Africa Leads the Way
As part of its commitment to holding space for women, Earthlife Africa showcases women as environmental justice defenders
Women in South Africa are already rolling out real, practical climate solutions on the ground. Earthlife Africa, the country’s pioneering environmental justice organisation has once again demonstrated that a just transition must begin with, and belong to the people.
Over the past two months, more than 100 women from Limpopo, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape have been trained in food preservation and processing skills. Practical tools that help reduce waste, extend food security and create new opportunities for livelihoods. This training builds on last year’s successful Wonderbag-making workshops and reflects Earthlife Africa’s commitment to equipping grassroots communities with sustainable, low-carbon skills.
At the same time, as world leaders prepare to debate the future of energy at COP30 in Brazil, Earthlife Africa, in partnership with Shine Collab, has taken another bold step to ensure that no-one is left behind, with the launch of its first women-led, community-based just transition centre.
The Rivoningo/Lesedi Just Transition Centre in Soweto is more than a training space. It is a living example of the power of renewable energy and community leadership. Powered by solar energy and biogas, the centre serves as a hub for women-led workshops, education and local climate solutions.
“We cannot wait for the government to lead on the action needed to address climate change, especially while the State still considers fossil fuels essential for growth. The science is clear: carbon emissions must come down, or things will get worse with floods, droughts and extreme weather. Communities need to be prepared, and that means accessible education and skills training. By launching this centre in Soweto, we are showing how a people-centred, women-led transition can take shape” – Earthlife Africa claims.
