UN Women Executive Director urges women participation in ‘Climate change’ efforts

As the 'People's Summit' took place in Lima, Peru, on Monday, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Executive Director, UN Women, has talked about making women a part of the decision making process. Ngcuka argues that women are most affected by the climate changes and their involvement in making decisions in vital to the cause.

Writing for The Huffington Post, she says, “The impacts of shifting temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather events touch their lives in direct and profound ways. For many, these impacts are felt so strongly because of gender roles - women are responsible for gathering water, food and fuel for the household. And for too many, a lack of access to information and decision-making exacerbates their vulnerability in the face of climate change.”

She went on to add that the leaders of the world should recognize the importance of making sure that climate change solutions are “gender-responsive.” She argues that when strategies and action plans are developed, women should be included at decision-making tables internationally, nationally and locally.

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The Executive Director added, “When women are empowered, their families, communities and nations benefit. Responding to climate change offers opportunities to enhance pathways to empowerment. This requires addressing the underlying root causes, such as gender stereotypes and social norms that perpetuate and compound inequality and discrimination.”

She believes that restrictions on the mobility of women, their lack of access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, less educational and employment opportunities are all underlying root causes of gender stereotypes and social norms that propagate inequality and discrimination. She concluded by saying that women have proven skills in managing natural resources sustainably and adapting to climate change, and their contribution and equal participation would be highly beneficial for the cause.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: The Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/phumzile-mlambongcuka/women-must-be-partners-an_b_6295264.html?utm_hp_ref=green