"Climate Change is a threat to all” - Wfac in Dubai for the COP28

The year 2023 will forever been known as that year marked by devastating climate related disasters. From mudslides, landslides, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires etc – All happening at a year where global leaders assembled in Dubai UAE for the COP28 Climate Conference to take stock on the progress made in keeping the commitments in tackling the climate crisis at all levels, including it devasting effects on humanity including livelihoods and health.

“The climate crisis is a threat to all, and adolescents and young women are most at risks, especially as they will have to live and face a crisis they didn’t cause”. Dr. Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh, Wfac ED

Between November 30 – December 12, 2023, Women for a Change (Wfac) is proud to announce its participation at the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai. Wfac is also leading a 22 international delegation of ecofeminist activists from the Central Africa subregion – Angola, Chad, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, and DRC who will attend the COP28 both in-person and virtually. As a subregional organisation working in expanding access and space for meaningful engagements as well as providing feminist leadership and mentorship across the central Africa subregion, the COP28 conference provides a unique platform for central Africa feminist activists and leaders to engage and share their unique perspectives and climate realities with world leaders, including policymakers across the subregion on the urgent need to address the pressing issues of climate change and environmental protection.

At Wfac, we are dedicated to advancing the role of women and girls in driving positive environmental action and advocating for gender equality in climate policies. With the aim of fast-tracking the transition to a feminist future as a leading advocate for women’s rights and girls and environmental sustainability, Women for a Change will be actively engaging in discussions and negotiations to drive meaningful change at this critical global event.

“As a young woman, I am honoured to be representing Women for a Change at COP28”. This is my first COP. And I am coming with a mission – to follow and meaningfully engage the entire process by sharing my lived realities and hope this gets to the ears and hearts of those making the decision and negotiations. Because I want to live in an environment that is safe and free from disasters, I must stay fully committed throughout the whole COP28 Negotiation processes. Ms. Rosette Leinyuy, Wfac Delegate to the COP28

During the conference, Women for a Change will be engaged in a series of panel discussions, speaking engagements, contributing to drafting and reading of policy statements, recommendations as well as joining networking events to highlight the importance of women’s leadership and activism across the central Africa subregion in addressing climate change. Additionally, our team will also be supporting the active participating of the GenEgaliteECCAS movement actors in negotiations and advocating for inclusive and gender-responsive climate policies that prioritise the needs and voices of women. Some of the thematic Wfac and the GenEgaliteECCAS will be following include but not limited to: Global Stocktake, Technology, Gender, Health, Food Security, Agriculture, Loss and Damage, Climate Finance, Adaptation and Mitigation etc.

In this light, Women for a Change invites all stakeholders, partners, and members of the press and media to join us in our efforts at COP28 and support our mission of creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Together, we can make a difference and drive positive change for the planet.

About Women for a change

Wfac’s works are anchored around advancing women and girls SRHR through advocacy, campaigns, and training and to see a society where women and girls’ reproductive health and rights are respected, promoted and protected, while also driving positive change for the planet. Through our advocacy, research, and partnerships, we strive to create a more inclusive and sustainable world for future generations.