The maiden edition of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), has opened in Accra. The Conference is a platform to address the impact of Climate Change on Women and Children.

President Akufo-Addo, who was the Guest Speaker outlined six policy interventions that the Continent needs to prioritize in her quest to empower women and children in the fight against climate change.

The Africa Women and Children Conference, an initiative of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), under the auspices of the office of the President is focused on “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action”.

The Conference was used to advocate policies that champion the interest of women and children in climate change sector regulations and development; discuss practical and realistic projects and programmes to address the adverse effects of climate change on women and children; and document indigenous knowledge and innovation in climate change, among others.

The event brought together participants including high-level government officials, policymakers, renowned experts, representatives from international organisations, civil society, and grassroots Community Leaders.

President Akufo-Addo proposed six thematic areas where he believes policymakers 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.

He said empowering women economically will enable 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-carbon and climate-resilient development.

The President said Women and children possess valuable traditional knowledge and innovative perspectives on climate adaptation and resilience. Their active involvement he noted will ensure that climate solutions are contextually relevant and inclusive, addressing the diverse needs of communities across Africa.

The Wife of the Vice President, Samira Bawumia, who was the Convener of Africa Women and Children Conference, AFRIWOCC, urged participants to 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 policy making in that regard.

At the end of the Conference, there would be a signing of a communique that represents a collective commitment to action. The document would guide governments, civil society and the private sector to prioritize the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The feedback from AFRIWOCC would be presented at the Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit, scheduled in September 2023.

By Bright Ntramah