In certain parts of northern India, deforestation and construction have had severe consequences such as landslides and flooding. This has been further exacerbated by climate change-induced extreme weather patterns, including heavy rains and increased water from melting glaciers. Local communities have relied heavily on wood for cooking, heating and construction, unwittingly contributing to local environmental problems. However, change is on the horizon.

To tackle this environmental intersection head-on, an NGO connected uniquely with the community to talk about local construction methods and materials. They recognized the importance of having community representatives in decision-making rooms, ensuring that the initiatives were guided by empathy and local insights. This partnership extended beyond mere involvement; it empowered the community to shape the project's direction and plan for their own future.

The NGO was committed to the nexus of gender and climate, thanks to staff with experience who advocated to keep these issues central to their work. A robust gender policy from their funders enabled them to advocate for gender integration within their climate programs. It was not merely a document but a catalyst for change, ensuring that gender considerations were deeply embedded in the project's DNA.

One of the pivotal aspects of the project was the structured approach to empower groups of 20-25 women in the community. These women were given loans to purchase user-friendly stoves, which they used to cook with less wood and sell in a way that communicated awareness about deforestation and climate change and ultimately benefited them financially. They were agents of change within their community. The work plan was meticulously designed to ensure that gender considerations were not an afterthought but an integral part of the strategy.

As the project unfolded, capturing and sharing success stories was imperative. These stories weren't just tales of transformation; they were tools for visibility and exerting upward pressure for higher-level change. The impact was tangible, and the stories of women who had used their earnings to care for their families or invest in their children's education were proof of the project's broader impact.

The women in these communities weren't just selling stoves; they were selling hope and a brighter future for their communities and the environment. Their journey embodied the power of partnership, actionable policies, structured planning, and the visibility of success stories, all woven together to ignite change and activate women as catalysts for sustainable solutions, highlighting positive outcomes for society and the environment.