GBM Blog

GBM's official side event was held on Saturday 4th December. We were very honored to share this event with Mary Robinson, President of Realizing Rights and the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice. Mary was joined by women leaders to discuss strategies for women’s participation in decision-making on climate change

Panellists included Constance Okollet, Chairperson of Osukuru United Women's Network, Uganda, and founding member of Climate Wise Women, and GBM's Francesca de Gasparis. Lorena Aguilar of the IUCN, Costa Rica did an excellent job moderating. The side event was titled Women’s Leadership on Climate Change Justice and the Grassroots Perspective.

Despite being on the graveyard shift at 8:15 pm on a saturday night competing with the NGO party (which had a water slide indoors!) we had an excellent attendance.

The side event started with a video message from Wangari on climate justice, women in climate change and the need for governments to take action now(see below).

Panelists and respondents explored issues including first hand impact in her village from Constance. The need for adaptation and to involve the grassroots on REDD+ from GBM. Climate justice and gender issues were eloquently substantiated by Mary Robinson. Francesca's speech can be read here.