health

March 14, 2022

LINEO MABEKEBEKE

2 min read

Climate crisis impacts women – Mukwashi

Climate crisis impacts women – Mukwashi

UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi

Story highlights

    UN working with the government supports the values of equality
    Effects of climate change are already visibly hard and compounded by limited resources, among others

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THE United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi says the current climate crisis has an impact on women already experiencing the detrimental effects of heavy rains and droughts, which both have had an impact on agriculture and food security in the country.

She said it was mostly women - particularly in rural areas - who felt the brunt as they were dependent on natural resources to sustain their families.

“I therefore want to applaud the contribution of women and girls around the world and in Lesotho who are taking charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response and I want to encourage more women to join this movement,” Ms Mukwashi said during the International Women’s Day celebration that were held in Maseru this week.

She said while Lesotho was a minimum polluter, the effects of climate change were already visibly hard and were compounded by limited resources, HIV and AIDS, COVID-19 along with other issues.

“Women have been the biggest causalities in all,” she added.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative, Dr Marc Derveeuw said women were the victims of climate change, the ones suffering when there is drought, floods, calling for attention.

He said they were putting more emphasis on the situation of young mothers and women in Lesotho, saying women and young girls could protect themselves against the crisis.

“They need to be given an awareness to help them come up with projects and to help them lead on their own,” Dr Derveeuw said.  

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Lesotho with the rest of the world celebrates International Women’s Day annually on March 8. The day is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equity, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

The UN working with the government has supported the values of equality and continue to do so, from creating platforms in the National Reforms and engendering the Human Rights Commission in anticipation of the passing of the bill.

 

 

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