Participants at the just ended maiden Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) have emphasised the need to create spaces for the voices of African women, children, and young people in climate discussions at all levels.
According to them, inadequate institutional capacity and high levels of gender inequality have compounded the adverse impact of climate change in Africa, particularly for women and children.
These is contained in a communique issued after the two-day conference, which opened on Wednesday, 4th August 202.
The forum which was on the theme “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action”, sought to address the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable groups, and also document indigenous knowledge and innovations in climate change solutions.
Participants at the conference discussed the importance of presenting a unified African message on climate action, particularly concerning its effects on women, children, youth, and persons with disabilities.
About AFRIWOCC
AFRIWOCC is a biennial conference convened by Second Lady Samira Bawumia under the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) to create true inclusivity for women and children across the African Continent, through meaningful dialogues and the showcase of innovative solutions to issues confronting women and children in Africa. Each year, the conference adopts a prevailing area of focus as a theme.
This year’s edition brought together about 800 participants and exhibitors from across Africa, including high-level dignitaries such as the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; the Vice President of Liberia, H.E Jewel Taylor; and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the South African Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.
The conference also received solidarity messages from the Deputy Secretary of the United Nations, Madam Amina Mohammed, and the Director General of the World Trade Organization Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Also present were high-ranking government officials from various African countries, members of parliament, development partners, traditional leaders, students, and leading figures in climate action across Africa.