Amplifying the voices of women and children in climate action - maiden edition of AFRIWOCC calls for change and inclusion

Which is aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration on climate change issues affecting women and children across Africa, towards advancing gender inclusion in climate action.

The two-day conference organized by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects, under the auspices of Ghana's Second Lady, H.E Samira Bawumia and in partnership with key stakeholders including the United Nations in Ghana, brought together high-level government officials, policymakers, experts, representatives from international organizations, civil society, and community leaders to drive conversations on the theme; “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action.”

“Africa suffers disproportionately from climate impacts, including floods, droughts and food insecurity. Protecting the lives and livelihoods of women and children in Africa from these impacts must be a priority,” said The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed in her address.

Considering the way forward, Ms. Mohammed shared three key reflections which includes leveraging AFRIWOCC to foster, accelerate and scale up partnerships and collaboration, removing the barriers that prevent developing economies from accessing finance and resources and involving women and children at all levels of governance and decision-making.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his keynote speech noted that the best ways to combat climate change was to place emphasis on raising awareness among women and children, who, according to him, are better able to comprehend the effects of climate change and the need to adopt sustainable behaviors. 

“While climate change affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally; women and children experience the greatest impacts of climate change which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety…it is crucial that their voices are heard in all discussions at all levels in our governance architecture if we stand a chance to address the climate crisis. When women are empowered, it directly translates to improved food security and economic stability” he said.

The Second Lady, H.E Samira Bawumia echoed the need to take deliberate steps to amplify the voices of women and children in the climate action. “Today, we acknowledge the undeniable truth that women and children are not just victims of climate change; they are powerful agents of change themselves… African women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness in the face of climate-related challenges. Children, too, have proven time and again that they are inheritors of this planet and are rightfully concerned about the environmental legacy we leave behind” she said.

H.E Samira Bawumia called for the empowerment of women and children to actively participate in climate action and decision- making processes and to “enable them to contribute innovative solutions and sustainable strategies that can revolutionize our approach to tackling climate change.”

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, in his closing remarks stated the potential of the two-day conference to influence political discourse especially in the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) which will help implement high impact initiatives that unlock transformative change across Africa.  He called partners to action to enable the inclusion of women and children in climate action.

“The voices of women and children echo the urgency of our climate crisis, and their perspectives offer solution that are both innovative and inclusive. Like the UN, I encourage strategic partners to leverage on the available resources, expertise and experiences to identify solutions that can address the impact of climate change” he stated. 

The outcomes of AFRIWOCC will contribute to conversations at the Africa Climate Summit/Week, scheduled for September 4th to 8th, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. These discussions are expected to shape Africa’s position at the upcoming COP 28, to be held from November 30th to December 12th, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).