Aifehli Mudau
Gender experts and policy makers at the National Gender Forum held in Gwanda this Friday have agreed to increase awareness on the protection of girls and women, in light of emerging challenges triggered by climate change.
Depleting water sources due to rising temperatures are among the continued threats identified that impede on the rights of girls and women.
At this years National Gender Forum convened in Gwanda this Friday, Climate Change and Enviromental degradation was at core of discussion as experts and policy leaders sought to find solutions to protecting the girl child against these challenges.
On behalf of the guest of honour and the First lady, Amai Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni noted the need to formulate resilience programmes to protect women and girls against climate shocks.
“Women and girls must take charge of their future leading them to be more innovative so as to respond well to responses of environmental issues,” she said.
The First Lady has been instrumental in pushing for the rights of the girl child through various programmes.
At the commemoration of National Gender Forum , women and girls expressed gratitude to the mother of the nation for her sterling work that has resulted in the empowerment of girls and women.
“We really appreciate the work done by Umama in empowering women and girls,” said a woman from the area.
“As police, we have realised women are the one more affected by climate change because they are the ones responsible fetching water and fire wood,” said a police representative.
This year National Gender Forum ran under the theme: “Gender ,Environment and Climate Change : Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality”
