Since this pivotal moment– more than 200 countries across the world once again reaffirmed their commitment through the Paris Agreement  to limit the global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius as a radical approach towards climate action.  

Today, as governments, researchers, scientists, private sector and civil society organisations gather in Dubai for COP 28 with the declaration of ‘climate change cannot wait’- a lot is at stake to fast-track the urgency of concrete actions needed now!  

Against the backdrop of this convening is the supersonic speed and litany of events happening around the world geopolitically. The wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Darfur, Israel and Gaza continue to displace millions from their homes, carbon emissions are rising, floods, drought and earthquakes have ravaged countries rendering many stateless- thus making 2023 a historic melting point of social inequalities exacerbated by the climate crisis. 

Nothing About us Without us 

At the heart of this, the shattered dreams and hopes of many women and girls around the world are an avid reminder that the promises to mitigate climate change can no longer be empty. It’s been widely proven that women and girls – the backbone of prosperous societies– are more vulnerable and are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change.  

We’ve witnessed how gender inequality has become synonymous with climate change creating a chain reaction of gender-based violence, healthcare crises, increased risk of child marriage, food insecurity, denial of economic advancement opportunities and femicide.  

While there’s a silver lining of Feminist Movements, Organisations, women human rights defenders and activists around the world who have been bold enough not to shy away from disrupting the current climate change talks ecosystem– the realities are grave. Countries like the UK are backing away from their climate change finance (at £ 11.6 Billion) commitments and fossil fuel companies remain solid with their green washing narratives. This drawback of support and many others paints a bleak picture for COP 28 but far much worse for millions of women and girls now under siege due to climate change. 

Women and girls working together in movements remain active agents of change, contributing significantly to climate resilience and adaptation efforts. They have shown remarkable innovation, and leadership in implementing sustainable practices, preserving traditional knowledge, and advocating for climate justice. 

Act Now- COP 28 must not abet gender inequality! 

But what will it take to see real action at COP28 given what is at stake for all especially for women and girls?

First, climate change conversations must be inclusive of gender equality. We celebrate civil society organisations  and Feminist Movements and Organisations that continue to advocate for the meaningful participation of women and girls’ indigenous groups from Brazil to Kenya and ensure their voices are not stifled in the negotiations. Solutions must be locally led and owned, strengthening the agency of these groups in influencing decisions that affect their lives. 

Secondly,  a strong feminist agenda  should be included in the climate action pledges. This is crucial in addressing injustices and social barriers that have prevented communities from taking their rightful seat at climate change convenings such as COP and pushing the biggest emitters of carbon emissions to offer reparations to millions in developing countries that have been affected by the crisis. But also- a feminist perspective confronts capitalism, neoliberalism and fascist principles that continue to back the use of fossil fuels and prioritise profit over people and a sustainable planet.  

Thirdly, new technological advances such as AI are critical in mitigating climate change. We’ve seen how various models are being used to predict weather patterns and also reduce carbon emissions. One iconic example is Google’s  optimisation of AI to minimise the environmental impact of flights- showing the unlimited possibilities of technology. AI can equally be a game changer in powering girls and women to advance scalable climate change solutions around the world. The integration of technology and gender equality can drive economic opportunities, showcase immersive experiences while also positioning women as change agents to radically reduce the rising carbon emissions. At COP28 we hope to witness the incorporation of a gender-responsive approach into AI development, ensuring that it benefits women and girls and promotes their active participation in climate change solutions. 

Lastly, climate financing approaches should be gender smart and feminist grounded. Research from the International Insitute for Environment and Development indicates that only 2.3 per cent of climate financing is deliberate in supporting gender equality. Investments from governments, philanthropy and the private sector through grants- not loans – should holistically mainstream gender frameworks that interrogate experiences of women and girls affected by climate change while also enabling flexible funding to allow women’s rights organisations to have a say in how to use the funding in climate action initiatives. 

A free, fair and sustainable world that is inclusive of the voices of women and girls is possible. COP 28 must not forget this! 

The post Time is running out on climate action and women and girls must be center stage in COP 28 appeared first on Womankind Worldwide.

Through the Participation and Voice for Excluded Women in Nepal (PAVE) project, we will work with our partners across Sudurpashchim Pradesh, also known as Province 7, the most far western province established by the new constitution of Nepal in 2015, to address the lack of meaningful and equal participation, leadership and influence of women, particularly the most marginalised women, in decision-making in local and provincial level governance structures and communities.

Despite the 2015 constitution introducing gender quotas ensuring 33% of all parliamentary seats and 40% of local elections seats are reserved for women, in Province 7 only two mayor/chair positions of 54 are held by women. This lack of women in key decision making positions poses considerable challenges for elected women to meaningfully engage and indicative of the degree to which political parties, the public, and women themselves, support women leadership.

Through the project, partners will support women to strengthen their confidence in taking on leadership roles and responsibilities, as well as be supported to enhance capacity and resource management skills to take an active role in the governance and livelihood of their communities. Additionally, as part of Womankind’s strategy to strengthen women’s movements, partners will collaborate with fellow women’s movement actors in Nepal to challenge the harmful social norms that prevent women from fully participating in social and political life.

The project will be funded with UK aid from the UK government, thanks to a grant from the Jo Cox Memorial Fund, which was announced at an event in London on 3^rd March 2020.

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What is the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?

In 1995 thousands of women’s rights activists, government  leaders and UN representatives gathered for the Fourth World Conference on Women. They came together with the goal of setting an international agenda that makes women’s equal rights a reality for billions of women around the world.

The 11 day conference was a galvanising moment for women’s rights and a marker in global feminist history. The result of the conference that reinforced that ‘women’s rights are human rights’ was the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Beijing Platform for Action was a progressive blueprint for achieving women’s rights, laying out 12 areas of critical concern where urgent action was needed to ensure equality for women and girls. The areas included women’s economic rights, violence against women and girls, political participation and education, among others.

In 1995 the diversities of women and their experiences were not only recognised on a world stage, but world governments acknowledged that all of these women had a fundamental right to equality. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was a beacon for hope for women’s rights activists, feminists and advocates for equality all over the world.

Why are people talking about it now?

2020 has the potential to be a momentous year for women’s rights. As well as marking 25 years since Beijing, it’s a key milestone for other international agreements directly impacting women’s rights: the 5^th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 20^th anniversary of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. This is such an important moment because despite world governments committing to achieving gender equality over two decades ago, there is still no country in the world where women have equal rights. While there has been progress for some women, in some countries, for some rights, women the world over are still denied their human rights, particularly those often the most marginalised by society. To commemorate this anniversary (dubbed Beijing+25) women’s rights activists are reigniting the feminist fire and demanding governments take action to achieve what the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set out to achieve two decades ago and move this agenda forward.

What is happening to mark the 25^th anniversary?

Since 2019 world governments and women’s rights organisations have been preparing to mark Beijing+25. Through national reports on the status of women’s rights, to regional reviews on how the lives of women and girls can be improved, the progress on achieving equality has been under scrutiny.

Womankind and our partners have been involved throughout the process, influencing the call for action and bringing the voices and experiences of everyday women to a global stage. Beijing+25 is more than policy makers at the highest levels making declarations, it’s about improving the real lives of billions of women and girls around the world. Womankind and our partners will continue to hold world leaders to account and insist that they take action throughout a series of UN events in 2020.

Why is it important for women’s rights?

The past few years has seen a rollback on women’s rights all over the world. Hard won freedoms and rights are at risk of being replaced with laws and social attitudes that strip women of their power and autonomy. What’s more, in every country in the world women’s human rights Defenders are consistently being harassed and intimated for standing up for women’s rights.  Beijing+25 is an opportunity to shine a light on these rights abuses and compel world leaders to act in the best interest of women and girls. Together women’s rights organisations, activists and feminists are coming together in a movement to be heard by those in the seats of power.

How you can get involved?

For 25 years governments have failed to deliver on the promises made in 1995. Women all over the world are still denied their human rights, particularly those who are most marginalised. In this landmark year for women’s rights we have the opportunity to hold governments to account and make the voices of women heard once and for all.

Womankind is launching #AllNotSome, a campaign that will send a clear message that we will wait no longer. We demand all of the rights for all, not some women. You can support our calls, by sharing our demands, adding your voice to our campaign or even celebrating a woman making a change for the rights of all women in your community. Join us in London on International Women’s Day as we join the Global Women’s Strike and take to the streets (more details on how to join us here). With your support we can speak louder and clearer.

This is the year we put women’s rights back on centre stage. This is the year we hold our leaders to account. This is the year we secure the rights for all, not some.

The post Rights for all, not some: a guide to Beijing+25 appeared first on Womankind Worldwide.

Thandiwe, why and when did you get involved with women’s struggle for land rights in Zimbabwe?

What does Women and Land in Zimbabwe do? Why is it needed and why do you feel it is important?

What does feminism mean to you?

What has been your proudest moment at work?

What are the major issues WLiZ is working on at the moment?

Next year, governments from around the world will sit down at the Commission on the Status of Women, at the United Nations in New York, to discuss issues affecting rural women. What is your message to the government of Zimbabwe and other governments?

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

The post Interview with an activist: Thandiwe Chidavarume in Zimbabwe appeared first on Womankind Worldwide.