AFRIWOCC: Amplifying Voices for Climate Action in Accra

The maiden AFRIWOCC keenly acknowledged the unique vulnerabilities of women and children in climate change, while also recognizing their indispensable roles in driving climate action.

Accra hosted the inaugural Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), a groundbreaking event dedicated to addressing the pressing climate change issues impacting women and children across Africa. This two-day conference, spearheaded by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects and championed by Ghana’s Second Lady, H.E. Samira Bawumia, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on climate action.

Key figures, including high-level government officials, policymakers, experts, representatives from international organizations, civil society, and community leaders, gathered under the theme “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action.” The event aimed to advance gender inclusion in climate initiatives and highlight the critical role women and children play in environmental sustainability.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, citing floods, droughts, and food insecurity as major concerns. She stressed the importance of protecting the lives and livelihoods of women and children, outlining three key strategies: fostering partnerships and collaboration, removing barriers to accessing finance and resources, and involving women and children at all governance levels.

President H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted the necessity of raising awareness among women and children to combat climate change effectively. He noted that women and children, being acutely aware of climate change effects, are crucial in adopting sustainable practices. He underscored that, empowering women directly enhances food security and economic stability.

H.E. Samira Bawumia reiterated the need to amplify the voices of women and children in climate action. She recognized their resilience and resourcefulness in addressing climate challenges and called for their empowerment to contribute innovative solutions. She stressed that women and children are not just victims of climate change but powerful agents of change.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, highlighted the potential of AFRIWOCC to influence political discourse and shape impactful initiatives at the upcoming COP28. He encouraged strategic partners to utilize available resources and expertise to identify inclusive and innovative climate solutions.

AFRIWOCC’s outcomes are expected to play a significant role in discussions at the Africa Climate Summit/Week in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4th to 8th, 2023. These discussions will help shape Africa’s position at COP28, scheduled for November 30th to December 12th, 2023, in Dubai, UAE.

This conference marks a crucial step in ensuring that the voices of women and children are heard and integrated into climate action strategies, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa.

Signed by Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of Ghana; Irchard Razaaly, EU ambassador to Ghana; and Charles Abani, UN resident coordinator-Ghana, the communique emphasises the imperative need for governments, civil society and the private sector to prioritise the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The conference resulted in communique actions which have been categorized into five main areas;
1. Building & Strengthening the Framework for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
2. Safeguarding the Health and Safety of Women and Children.
3. Developing a Thriving Blue/Green Economy.
4. Promoting Capacity-Building, Research, Awareness and Knowledge-Sharing in Climate Action and Developing Dynamic.
5. Diversified Regional and International Cooperation.