COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, tackling important climate-related topics directly impacting our present and future. The climate summit commenced on November 30, currently underway at Expo City Dubai until December 12, 2023.
Fighting against the disproportionate and pervasive effects of climate change on women and girls, several women leaders at COP28 on Monday advocated that “climate change is not gender neutral” – requesting that decisionmakers enact policies specifically tailored to women in pursuit of effective climate action.
Via @climateactionart on Instagram
Here, Cosmo ME presents 5 inspiring women leaders who are advocating for women’s rights – in the context of climate change – at COP28.
5 inspiring women leading the way at COP28
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak
Via @nyuabudhabi on Instagram
“Climate change is not gender neutral,” declares HE Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28. The leader explained that climate change disproportionately impacts women as they constitute the majority of the world’s poor. In light of this, Razan announced the launch of COP28’s gender-responsive trust transition and climate action partnership.
Reem Al Hashimy
Via @maged_helal on Instagram
“We need a human face on climate change.” HE Reem Al Hashimy – Emirati politician and the Minister of State for International Cooperation in the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – maintained that the systems that are currently in place are leaving behind women, people of determination, children, and youth in LDCs. She indeed stated that such groups are located in areas that are most vulnerable to and impacted by climate change.
Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
Via @aminajmohammed on Instagram
“Women stand at the forefront of the climate battle. Whether as the scientists, legislators, indigenous leaders, youth activists, they are fighting to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius target alive,” declares UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
#WomenRiseForAll at the battlefront of climate action as scientists, legislators, indigenous leaders, or youth activists.
Let's keep the 1.5°C target alive, saving lives and protecting livelihoods. #COP28 pic.twitter.com/1fvaOl2oK8
— Amina J Mohammed (@AminaJMohammed) December 5, 2023
Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director
Via @unwomanchief on Instagram
“The rights of women and girls must be at the center of climate action, including here at COP28. We must ensure that women have a seat at the decision-making table,” stated Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director. The leader argued for more inclusive decision-making, echoing the voices of women, the youth, and other grassroot movements on a global scale.
Jemimah Njuki, Chief of Economic Empowerment at UN Women
Jemimah Njuki, Chief, Economic Empowerment at UN Women advocated that women leading climate action should be provided with the necessary financial resources to effectively combat climate change. “In spite of them not having the resources,” stated Dr. Jemimah, “we are also seeing a lot of actions led by women and girls and if we can give them the resources – including the financial resources – to do more, I think our world is going to be better for it.”
Lead image courtesy of @climateactionart on Instagram