Akufo-Addo Proposes 6 “Women Policy Interventions” Africa Must Prioritize At Maiden AFRIWOCC

President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has outlines six (6) policy interventions that the African continent has to prioritize in her quest to empower her women and children in the fight against climate change.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) held at the Kempinski hotel gold coast city today 2 August 2023, under the theme; “Amplifying the voices of Women and Children in the Climate Crisis,” President Akufo-Addo said women and children are critical in the global climate change fight and that they ought to be empowered to contribute positively to same.

To this end, the President proposed six (6) thematic areas where he believes policies makers on the continent must focus on to ensure that women and children take their rightful place in the global effort to arrest the devastating impact of climate change.

Education and awareness

First, education and awareness, “educated women and educated children” according to President Akufo-Addo, “are better equipped to understand climate change impacts and adopt sustainable behaviours. Investing in education and awareness campaigns ensures a more informed and engaged populace, fostering collective action toward climate goals”.

Environmental stewardship

“Women as primary caregivers and managers of household resources are crucial in driving sustainable practices within their families and communities. When empowered, they can champion eco friendly behaviours, promoting sustainable consumption, waste reduction and recycling and the protection of natural resources”.

Economic empowerment

“Empowering women economically enables them to participate in climate resilient livelihoods and sustainable business ventures. Their active engagement in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and green enterprise contribute to low cardon and climate resilient development”.

Gender responsive policies

“Policies that prioritize gender equality and empowerment lead to better climate outcomes. Women and children should be given the opportunity to participate actively in decision making processes at all levels. We hear in Ghana are making determined efforts to do just that”.

Community building

“Empowering women and children foster’s community cohesion and collective action. By elevating their voices, we create a sense of ownership and responsibility for climate change solutions, strengthening social resilience in the face of global challenges”.

Inclusive climate solutions

“Women and children possess valuable traditional knowledge and innovative perspectives on climate adaptation and resilience. Their active involvement ensures that climate solutions are contextually relevant and inclusive addressing the diverse needs of communities across Africa, President Akufo-Addo remarked.

Championing change

Second lady, Samira Bawumia, and convener of AFRIWOCC, in her opening address, registered her appreciation to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all other partnering institutions for making the maiden edition a reality.

She indicated that AFRIWOCC is committed to championing efforts aimed at finding valuable ways to get the women and children of the continent to contribute effectively to the global effort to tackle the climate change phenomenon.

Mrs Bawumia further urged participants of the two-day conference who will be part of the break-out sessions to put forth their rich ideas to ensure that the conference can develop a strong outcome document to present at COP 28 and other climate change events for consideration to influence policymaking in that regard.

AFRIWOCC

The Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) is a high-level dialogue that provides the platform for stakeholders and experts to deliberate on issues affecting women and children in Africa.

The vision of AFRIWOCC, is to strive and achieve a thriving Africa now and always, with women and children empowered, to lead in an inclusive, dynamic and resilient multi-faceted society.

As biennial conference, AFRIWOCC is designed as a critical but nuanced platform of engagement for reflections on these issues that affect women and children.

Framed as a conversation to elicit the responses from some of the leading actors in the political economy of climate change responses such as clean cooking solutions, the conference is expected to gather a cast of distinguished global and African experts, academics, businesses, as well as identifiable groups affected by climate change with the defined goal of promoting and amplifying the interest of women and children
in the discourse.

The mission of AFRIWOCC, is to be an enabling platform that fosters the promotion of the voices of women and children in Africa’s development agenda while safeguarding their rights and enhancing their transformative value.