UNEA 6: Women in Climate Leadership Forum

Yesterday’s the ” Women in Climate Leadership Forum” side event marked a pivotal moment at UNEA 6 , bringing together influential female leaders from across the World. The forum, aligned with the thematic areas of UNEA-6, emphasized climate action, gender equality, and innovative approaches towards environmental sustainability. It served not just as a conference but as a moment of excahneg and a call to action for women everywhere to lead the charge against climate change.

Breaking New Ground

The event was structured around five critical objectives, aiming to empower women and amplify their voices in the climate discourse. Highlights included strengthening women’s leadership in climate policy advocacy, fostering collaborative initiatives for climate adaptation, and breaking societal myths through feminist climate narratives. Additionally, the forum focused on creating platforms for networking and capacity-building, alongside influencing inclusive climate policies at the community level.

Voices from the Field

The forum was rich with powerful statements from participating organizations, each bringing unique perspectives and commitments to the table:

• Charles Mwangi , Head of Programs and Research from PACJA emphasized the importance of locally led adaptation, highlighting initiatives that allow vulnerable women to access climate funds, even without the ability to write bankable projects. This approach not only recognizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on women but also ensures they are central to creating solutions.

• Rabeb Aloui is an environmental advocate and a member of FEMNET and the Women Major Group at UNEP, spoke about uniting the voices of African women to share their climate experiences, showcasing resilience and leadership in the process. This narrative shift aims to inspire global action and foster a resilient future, acknowledging the critical role of women in climate adaptation and sustainability efforts.

• Natalie Mukundane, Chairperson of The African Youth Commission (AYC) focused on the immediate impacts of climate change on young girls, underscoring the urgency of including their voices in climate action. The AYC’s commitment to amplifying these voices and ensuring young women lead the way in crafting solutions was a powerful call to action for all attendees.

• Mercy Chepkemoi, Program Officer at Natural Justice highlighted the inseparable link between environmental harmony and justice, with a special focus on the roles of women from indigenous and local communities. Their advocacy for policies that respect the Earth and recognize the rights of women as environmental guardians underscored the need for a just and equitable approach to sustainability.

A Unified Call to Action

The forum concluded with a unified call to action, emphasizing the strength of collective effort and the importance of including diverse voices in the fight against climate change. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future—a world where women’s leadership and contributions are recognized as vital to achieving environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

In reflecting on the event, it’s clear that the path forward requires collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to gender equality and environmental justice. The ” Women in Climate Leadership Forum” has set the stage for ongoing dialogue and action, inspiring participants and observers alike to work towards a an inclusive and equitable future.