‘Women have the answers’

INCLUDING the input of women in policy discussions make policies more effective, says US ambassador Marie Damour.

She told a regional conference on GenderResponsive Climate Policy Formulation in Suva this week that women must be empowered to include their needs and perspectives in discussions — to ensure more equitable and sustainable solutions to the many threats posed by climate change.

“In many cases, women have the answers, we must listen to them,” Ms Damour said.

Citing the words of USAID administrator Samantha Power that

“climate change is sexist, but our response shouldn’t be”, Ms Damour said she was honoured to work with amazing women from the Ministry of Women who uplifted their communities while improving climate resilience.

“We need to see more women driving the conversation of how to facilitate climate resilience and adaptation in their communities,” she said.

“We need to see more women running for local office and winning those elections.

“And we need to amplify the voices of the women in our circles who are advocating for change and protecting the future of our communities and families with locally relevant solutions.

“This includes indigenous women and girls, whose traditional knowledge and understanding of community needs is indispensable in designing and implementing culturally appropriate solutions.”

Ms Damour said to listen to the expertise of women, new and better ways must be found to support women.

“In our meetings with various women leaders and aspiring women politicians, they cited mentorship, encouragement, and leadership training as critical areas where intervention can change the trajectory of a woman’s career. To put it bluntly, the absence of mentorship, encouragement, and leadership training can crush ambition.”