Women critical to climate solutions

By Mereoni Mili in Bonn, Germany

It is important that women and girls remain in the centre of climate solutions.

These were the words of the Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa during the Gender Day event at COP 23 yesterday.

She said it is important to have specific objectives for women in any economic or investment program with respond to climate change whether we talk about mitigation, adaptation or resilience.

“If we understand the special place women have in our communities and act accordingly we would create strong programs, have more effective responses, build better and resilient communities”, she

Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa during the Gender Day event at the Bonn Zone yesterday. Photo: Mereoni Mili

said.

She added that climate change is harsh for women largely because woman are overrepresented among the world and are exposed to these dangers.

“Women typically are critical to keeping communities together, they care for the children, and they maintain traditions and give stability to villages”, she said

Vuniwaqa said  talanoa dialogue on the topic of economic case for gender responsive climate action will highlight the compelling economic reasons why governments are seeking and  investors are funding climate policy, and actions that has gender in all in ratifications and in its core element.

Vuniwaqa reminded the delegates that they have to put women and girls at the centre of all climate efforts in order to succeed.

The Fijian Presidency has emphasise the importance of equitable involvement of women in sustainable development and the implementation of climate policy including the Gender Action Plan.

The Gender Action Plan has been finalised by the parties whereby it recognises the role of women in climate action.

Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Her Excellency Ms. Flame Mata’fa said that full participation and mainstreaming gender issues is important and it is a step the Samoa government has taken.

“It is important to emphasise the traditional roles and functions women in the Pacific play so that people come to a common understanding and objectives”, she said.