The first-ever Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), aimed at tackling the repercussions of climate change on women and children, is scheduled to take place at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on August 2 and August 3.
Organized by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) in collaboration with the office of the President, the conference revolves around the theme “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action.”
One of the key objectives of the event is to advocate for policies that safeguard the interests of women and children in climate change regulations and development. Additionally, the conference will explore practical projects and programs to address the adverse effects of climate change on women and children, while documenting indigenous knowledge and innovation related to climate change.
The conference is expected to attract participants from diverse backgrounds, including high-ranking government officials, policymakers, renowned experts, representatives from international organizations, civil society members, and grassroots community leaders.
As women and children are disproportionately affected by climate change, facing challenges to their livelihoods, health, and well-being, the conference aims to urgently address their unique vulnerabilities in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Notable figures, such as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina J. Mohammed, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonja-Iweala, will be present at the event.
Upon the conference’s conclusion, a communique will be signed, representing a collective commitment to action. This document will guide governments, civil society, and the private sector in prioritizing the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The outcomes and feedback from AFRIWOCC 2023 will be presented during the Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit, slated for September 4 to September 6, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. These discussions will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s stance at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties’ twenty-eighth session (COP 28), taking place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
AFRIWOCC 2023 signifies a crucial moment in advocating for gender-responsive and people-centered climate policies in Africa.
By amplifying the voices of women and children and promoting inclusive and sustainable climate action, this conference has the potential to drive transformative change and build a more resilient future for all in the face of climate change challenges.