The Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), in collaboration with the Office of the President, will host the inaugural Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) in Ghana.
Taking place on August 2-3, 2023, at the prestigious Kempinski Hotel in Accra, this conference aims to bring together a diverse range of participants to discuss the theme of “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action.”
Climate change poses significant challenges globally, with vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, being disproportionately affected.
As natural resource-dependent individuals and caretakers, women and children face adverse effects on their livelihoods, health, and well-being. Urgent action is required to address their unique vulnerabilities in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Recognizing the need to address these issues, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has included women and children in climate-related negotiations and decision-making processes.
AFRIWOCC 2023 aligns with this global commitment and seeks to highlight the ways in which women can influence positive climate action.
The conference will feature Special Guest appearances by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Their presence will further emphasize the importance of prioritizing the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change policies.
Over the course of two days, AFRIWOCC 2023 aims to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on climate change issues affecting women and children across Africa and beyond.
The conference will also serve as a platform to discuss practical projects and programs to address the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable populations.
The objectives of AFRIWOCC 2023 include assessing the impacts of the climate crisis on women and children, advocating for policies that champion their interests in climate change sector regulations and development, and coordinating a network of organizations focused on women and children in the climate change economy.
Additionally, the conference aims to document indigenous knowledge and innovation in climate change.
The conference will conclude with the signing of a communique that represents 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 of AFRIWOCC 2023 will contribute to discussions at the Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit, scheduled for September 4-6, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.
These discussions will shape Africa’s position at the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties’ twenty-eighth session (COP 28), to be held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
AFRIWOCC 2023 represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of gender-responsive and people-centred climate policies in Africa.
By amplifying the voices of women and children and fostering inclusive and sustainable climate action, this conference has the potential to create a lasting impact, drive transformative change, and build a more resilient future for all in the face of climate change challenges.