From Dubai and New Delhi – Written by: Zeba Khan – Updated: December 11, 2023, 06:25 PM
Introduction
It is time to take some steps to alleviate the issues of climate change. Now that the COP28 UAE conference (United Nations Climate Change Conference) is in its final phase with the conclusion of this massive global event on December 12, it is important to note that the heroic women working to effect change in this field have participated and provided some ideas for a better future for the planet. From Ayadi Mishra to Elsie Gabriel, WION spoke with female leaders involved in WCC (Women Climate Collective), a community of women working in climate change and gender issues, among others.
The Role of Women Leaders at COP28
Elsie Gabriel, founder of the Young Environmentalists program and national coordinator of the Ocean Climate Reality project, Ayadi Mishra, an architectural designer, and Neha Naikawadi, who manages zero-waste initiatives and collaborates with the Joint Climate Foundation to support climate tech startups, spoke with WION in an exclusive interview. They discussed the role of female climate leaders in forums like COP28 and why we need such platforms.
What Does COP28 Mean to You?
Ayadi Mishra said: “It was a dream to be here in person, and I feel like a foolish child here in a PR game for a city that aims to do more harm than good in a place filled with billionaires where countries pledge millions of dollars for loss and damage.”
Neha Naikawadi said: “I came to COP28 to raise more awareness about the kind of innovation happening in the Global South and to support the ecosystem to accelerate the growth of climate tech startups because I believe that the people suffering on the ground are the most suited to build these solutions. So, COP is this platform to meet the decision-makers and stimulate the ecosystem to invite more funding for climate tech companies.”
Why Do We Need COP28?
Ayadi Mishra said: “It was essential for us to come together to implement what was started at COP27 and COP21… but perhaps it wasn’t necessary in a country witnessing huge projects on the way and chaired by an oil company that denies the science on a fossil fuel-free future.”
Neha Naikawadi said: “I believe we cannot achieve the 1.5-degree target without the private sector joining the fight. The best way to attract the private sector is through innovation. Now it has become profitable to build a climate-friendly business rather than following the traditional model. That’s why we need to bring more attention to supporting climate tech companies that can save the planet while making it profitable.”
Women Leaders’ Perception in Such Forums
Ayadi Mishra said: “Women and gender have been given a narrow space tucked away from water and bathrooms in the building – as well as from nature! We were given strict instructions on how to protest, the symbols we could carry and wear, and in a city that does not recognize our identities and nationalities, we were given a safe space among women and lesbians who gathered in that corner.”
Elsie Gabriel said: “Women are not just contributors in the field of environmental conservation and climate change; they are strong pillars in all sectors of society. Whether as scientists, creators, leaders, or mothers, they have also shown that none of these roles are contradictory. Uplifting women for women is essential for us to understand and educate ourselves globally and to put India on the map of women’s leadership.”
Women’s Participation in COP28 and Other Similar Conferences
Ayadi Mishra said: “I loved to see that the head of gender dialogues was a woman, but I did not like the room that was half empty and filled with general sessions. I met incredible women working in restoration, financing, and adaptation – all of them open about their struggles and offering us a helping hand to help us move forward. I realized how little representation we have after looking at the image of world leaders, in the main delegation from countries and in the ‘high-level’ committees that mostly contain one woman for symbolism.”
She said
Elsie Gabriel: As a WCC champion, I believe we women work together to put forward actionable recommendations and initiatives that integrate gender equality into climate change agendas, and promote an inclusive, just, and resilient future for all through our community and our work at home in India can prove that.
Neha Nayakwadi said: It is sad to see that there are very few women founders and investors in this field.. Less than 10 percent of climate tech companies worldwide are founded by women. Only 14 out of 150 speakers at COP are women, and very few of us are at the negotiation table when 50 percent of the world’s population are women. We need to understand that climate change affects women differently than men. Therefore, we need more women at COP to represent 50 percent of women whether in technological innovation or disaster rescue. Also, we women must understand how to communicate and open doors for each other so that we can get there.
Role of the United Nations Climate Conference 28
The United Nations Climate Conference 28 focuses on combating the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women. Policymakers must not only implement more policies that meet their specific needs but also recognize the unique knowledge and expertise that women can provide, which can be utilized to support climate change mitigation and effective leadership.
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