The inaugural Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), a crucial platform aimed at addressing the impact of climate change on women and children, is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 2, and Thursday, August 3, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

This conference is an initiative of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), operating under the auspices of the office of the President, and it will be conducted under the theme "Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action."

The main objectives of the conference are to advocate for policies that prioritize the interests of women and children in climate change regulations and development, discuss practical and realistic projects to tackle the adverse effects of climate change on women and children, and document indigenous knowledge and innovation related to climate change.

The event will bring together diverse participants from various backgrounds, including high-level government officials, policymakers, renowned experts, representatives from international organizations, civil society members, and grassroots community leaders.

The conference recognizes that as natural resource-dependent individuals and caretakers, women and children experience significant challenges to their livelihoods, health, and well-being due to climate change. Therefore, urgent actions are required to address their unique vulnerabilities in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Distinguished guests, such as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina J. Mohammed, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonja-Iweala, are expected to make appearances during the event.

At the conclusion of the conference, a communique will be signed, signifying a collective commitment to action. This document will serve as a guiding framework for governments, civil society, and the private sector, emphasizing the prioritization of the rights and well-being of women and children in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The outcomes and feedback generated from AFRIWOCC 2023 will be presented at the Africa Climate Week and Africa Climate Summit, which are scheduled for Monday, September 4, to Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. These discussions will play a vital role in shaping Africa's stance at the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties' twenty-eighth session (COP 28), slated to take place from Thursday, November 30, to Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

AFRIWOCC 2023 signifies a critical moment in the quest for gender-responsive and people-centered climate policies in Africa. By amplifying the voices of women and children and promoting inclusive and sustainable climate action, this conference has the potential to make a lasting impact, drive transformative change, and build a more resilient future for all amid the challenges posed by climate change.