Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-30 02:30:00
The representation of women at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, decreased despite the efforts of women activists. According to a report by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, women made up only 34 per cent of the delegates, compared to nearly equal representation in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021. This marked a 15 per cent drop in women’s representation at the conference.
The trend of exclusion continued when the organizing committee for the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan appointed only men to the 28-member committee. However, in response to backlash from women climate activists, President Ilham Aliyev added 12 women and an additional man to the committee, resulting in a representation of just 29 per cent of women.
Since the first COP in 1995, women have advocated for equal inclusion in climate talks where decisions are made. Despite their efforts, the 2022 Dubai conference showed little improvement in women’s representation.
During a webinar in January 2022, Stella Agara, an economic justice and climate action lead at Akina Mama wa Africa, highlighted the challenges women face in being excluded from climate change conversations and policy decisions. The lack of representation in these discussions affects the implementation of climate solutions by women.
Despite these challenges, women continue to advocate for their participation in climate and environmental decision-making. Tara Daniel, a senior program manager at Women’s Environment & Development Organisation, emphasized that equal participation of all genders leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, emphasized the importance of gender diversity and called for urgent action to advance this agenda in international negotiations.
In conclusion, the struggle for equal representation and participation of women in climate change discussions continues, and there is a need for sustained action to achieve true climate justice.
