SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, California (October 10, 2016) – As governments from around the world convene in Marrakesh, Morocco this November to work towards implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, women from around the world will speak out to highlight the vital role of women in building urgent climate change solutions founded upon a climate justice framework, and respect for human rights, women’s rights, rights of nature and Indigenous rights.

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As part of the growing global women’s movement for climate justice, the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International will be on the ground in Marrakesh during the 2016 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP22 climate talks.

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Building upon WECAN International’s work and presence during UNFCCC climate talks since 2010, the organization will participate both within and outside of the climate conference to advocate for climate justice, bold action on climate change, and for the voices of grassroots, Indigenous and frontline women leaders to be at the forefront of policy, solutions and decision making.

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On November 14th, the organization will present a public event in downtown Marrakech, ‘Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change – Marrakech’. During the event, women leaders from around the world and across Morocco will speak on vital topics including Indigenous rights; food security; forest and water protection; the intersection of gender and environment; and women’s leadership and calls for action within a climate justice framework. This event is free and open to the public.

 

On November 16th, WECAN International will hold a formal side event inside of the UNFCCC venue, focusing on frontline women’s climate solutions, to be held from 16:45 to 18:15 in the Bering room (former Observer Room 10), COP22 Blue Zone (accreditation required).

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In the days immediately preceding the UNFCCC COP22 climate talks, women from around the world will take local action as part of the campaign ‘Women Act for Climate Justice: Ten Day of Global Mobilization’, uplifting the stories of climate impact and solutions in their community; showing women’s central role as Earth guardians; and making clear their demands for systemic change and climate justice.

 

“WECAN International is committed to bringing the voices of grassroots, frontline and Indigenous women to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change so they can speak for themselves as powerful land, forest and water defenders and protectors, ” explained Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network. “Women around the world are demonstrating resistance to the false solutions to the climate crisis too often put forth in our national and international institutions, and at the same time women are offering clear directives for real action from a climate justice framework to rebuild the healthy world we seek. Women are taking bold action in advance of and during the COP22 climate negotiations and every single day thereafter until we find justice and healing for our communities and the Earth.”

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Updates forthcoming on press conferences to be hosted in Morocco by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network and allies. 

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Information on all WECAN actions and events during the UNFCCC COP22 available at: http://wecaninternational.org