The Women Development Organization (WDO) held a launch event for its report "Women and Climate Change" in Cairo on the 9th of July 2024. The event was attended by the organization's strategic partners - the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and UN Women, as well as ambassadors, representatives of governments and national machineries, and national and international organizations.
The report highlights that the climate crisis is not gender-neutral and has different effects on men, women, and children. It explores the intersection between climate change and the increased structural vulnerabilities of women and girls in various aspects such as food security, education, water scarcity, access to health services, migration, abuse, early marriage, exploitation, trafficking, forced labor, gender-based violence, and other forms of physical risks.
Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the Executive Director of the Women Development Organization, stated: "It is of utmost importance to empower women and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change and contribute to effective solutions for these challenges.
WDO firmly believes in the role of women in achieving sustainable development, and is endeavoring to enhance their participation in climate-related decision-making, and to mobilize efforts to support and empower them across various domains."
During the event, Her Excellency Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby announced the upcoming report by the organization, which will focus on Palestinian women and girls. This report will address the specific challenges they face, while also highlighting their experiences and resilience in the occupied Palestinian lands.
Her Excellency Ms. Mona Al-Khalili, the Palestinian Minister of Women's Affairs, highlighted that the ministry will work with all governmental entities and non-governmental organizations in Palestine in close collaboration with WDO in the preparation of this important report through a recorded statement presented in the event.
The launch event of the report witnessed key remarks from the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Hussain Ibrahim Taha. He emphasised that the report "Women and Climate Change, Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in OIC Member States" is an important document that provides valuable information and analysis on the innovative efforts of women in OIC member states and their proven competence in addressing the impact of climate change on communities.
According to the "Women and Climate Change" report, women face challenges due to climate change, including increased exposure to food insecurity, water scarcity, and natural disasters. However, the report also highlights that women are powerful agents of change, possessing unique knowledge and leadership skills in environmental conservation. The report concludes that investments in women-led climate solutions are essential to ensure a just and sustainable future.
During the launch event, all attendees expressed their appreciation for the importance of the report and its findings for OIC member states. They also emphasized the significance of future strategic partnerships with the organization in the fields of development, agriculture, education, and policymaking.
