Dubai, UAE- At the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, the Spouse of The Prime Minister, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, delivered a compelling address highlighting the urgent need to protect women and children in the face of the global climate crisis. In her speech, Mrs. Davis emphasized the disproportionate impact climate change has on vulnerable populations, especially women and girls.
Mrs. Davis outlined how climate change exacerbates existing gender inequities, making women and girls more susceptible to its devastating effects. She stressed that the health implications of climate change are far-reaching, affecting physical health and the socioeconomic determinants of health, such as access to safe drinking water, food security, and healthcare services. This impact is particularly acute for women in underdeveloped countries, who are often primarily responsible for caregiving and providing essential resources for their families.
A significant focus of Mrs. Davis’ address was on the increased risks pregnant women, babies, and children face due to climate catastrophes. Referencing a recent Call for Action by United Nations agencies, she highlighted the urgent attention needed to protect maternal, newborn, and child health from the impacts of climate change.
The First Lady also drew attention to the escalating gender-based violence linked to climate-induced socio-economic and political tensions. She emphasized the moral imperative of addressing these specific challenges faced by women and girls in fragile and conflict-affected settings, advocating for robust measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
In her call to action, Mrs. Davis underscored the necessity of integrating the voices and experiences of women and girls into climate policy-making processes. She emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive adaptation and mitigation strategies in climate policy and the critical role of education and capacity building in empowering women and girls to participate actively in climate initiatives.
Mrs. Davis concluded her address with a global call to action, urging for sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, action on climate finance, and the specific inclusion of the needs of women and children in climate and disaster-related policies.
The First Lady’s remarks at COP 28 are a powerful reminder of the intersectionality of climate change and gender issues and the urgent need for inclusive and effective climate action that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable.