Today, both the co-chairpersons of the Global Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the Environment (NWMLE), Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Republic of South Africa, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi and the Minister of Environment from the Kingdom of Sweden, Ms Lena Ek led the meeting of the NWMLE under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 19 here in Warsaw, Poland.
In March 2002, the IUCN and the Council of World Women Leaders convened a meeting of women ministers and leader for the environment in Helsinki, Finland. In attendance were 22 Women Ministers of Environment and 28 Women Leaders of intergovernmental and no n-governmental environmental organisations from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America who resolved to establish a Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the Environment.
The overall objective of the Network is: To promote gender responsive sustainable environmental management at regional and global levels and enhance representation and involvement of women in decision making areas of environment and sustainable development at all levels.
Speaking at the NWMLE meeting Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said, “Having been at the helm of the Network since it was founded in Helsinki more than a decade ago, I believe that the Network should take a direction that would create a lasting legacy hence we are here today to review the progress made from Doha to Nairobi, adoption of the proposed governance structure, agree on the implementation plan of the outcomes of RIO+20 and the Minamata Convention, to reflect on the Programme of Action to launch the regional, sub-regional and country chapters that would monitor and measure the work done by the Network, to deliberate on the establishment of coordinating structures at all levels, integration of gender and the appointment of a focal point in every National Ministry of Environment”.
“The outcomes of the RIO+20 in terms of gender equality and women empowerment indicates that we are committed to equal rights and opportunities for women in political and economic decision-making and resource allocation and to removing any barriers that prevent women from being full participants in the economy. We resolve to undertake legislative and administrative reforms to give women equal rights with men to economic resources, including access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, credit, inheritance, natural resources and appropriate new technology” said Mabudafhasi.
Echoing the same sentiments the co-chairperson of the Network Ms Lena Ek, said “Women’s full and equal participation in decision making processes is key. Therefore I was proud when the IUCN yesterday presented the Environment and Gender index where Sweden was ranked highest for women in policy-making processes. However we know that we need to work more, both on a national and on a global level. I fully believe that gender equality – in every aspect- and women’s empowerment is a precondition for successfully addressing the challenges the world is facing today, not at least the climate change challenge”
Minister Ek concluded by stating: “Needless to say, ensuring that women’s voices are heard is crucial for advancing gender-sensitive climate policy.”
Enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa
Spokesperson for the South African Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za
