On October 19-20, 2024, Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO) member Zefi Dimadama represented the LWO network at the Beijing +30 NGO CSW Forum in Geneva. Speaking in the “Women and the Environment” workshop, Zefi highlighted the vital role women play in environmental resilience and ocean governance, sharing her insights on the need for gender equality in the blue economy.
“My contribution to this workshop highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the gendered dimensions of climate change and the blue economy, advocating for greater support and empowerment of women,” Zefi shared.
Key Points from Zefi’s Intervention:
Disproportionate Climate Impact on Women: Women, especially in developing regions, bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts. Often responsible for water collection, caregiving, and agriculture, they face intensified challenges with limited access to resources.
Women’s Essential Role in the Blue Economy: Women are central to sectors like fisheries and coastal tourism, using their expertise to drive sustainable practices in marine resource management and biodiversity conservation. Barriers in Ocean Industries: Despite their contributions, women encounter substantial barriers in ocean-based fields, with restricted access to resources, financing, and training.
Power of Women’s Networks in Ocean Governance: Networks like LWO provide essential support, advocacy, and opportunities for women to thrive, emphasizing the need for gender perspectives in sustainable ocean policies. Zefi’s participation resonated strongly with forum attendees, who are now exploring collaborative actions with LWO to address pressing environmental issues and the climate crisis. Her voice underscores the transformative impact of gendered perspectives in ocean governance and the urgent need to empower women as leaders.
Together, we are advancing women’s voices and leadership in ocean governance, building a more inclusive future for our planet.
