Women are powerful agents for change - PM

As the world experiences the extreme weather events, rising seas and changes to agriculture caused by climate change, women often have the least resources to cope.

While speaking at the Women's Leadership In Climate Diplomacy Breakfast, in Denarau, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted that this can add an extra burden to the poverty and lack of opportunity that billions of women around the world already face.

Bainimarama also stressed that women are also powerful agents for change.

Vast numbers are already stewards of natural resources and guardians of traditional knowledge.

He says that as global conditions deteriorate, we know that women can lead the way in protecting food supplies and water resources and in doing so, can protect their communities.

Bainimarama says that when women are well represented in decision‑making processes, their ability to share skills and knowledge strengthens our collective effort to face the challenge of climate change.

He adds that Fiji will go into COP23 committing ourselves to the principles of justice and equality in which women and girls are afforded the same opportunities as men and boys.

Bainimarama assured those present that throughout the term of Fiji's presidency over COP23, gender issues will get the priority they deserve.

He says that Fiji can be proud that the adoption of the First Gender Action Plan will take place at COP23 and this will help ensure that the benefits of climate action are shared equitably. 

The Prime Minister also shared that Fiji’s COP delegation consists of close to 50% women and we would obviously encourage other delegations to aspire to increase the proportion of women on theirs.

Bainimarama also highlighted that improving the status of women is a core imperative in tackling the effects of climate change and this must be done in Fiji and around the world.