Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In celebration of International Women's Month 2025, the "Unite for All Women: A Just, Green, and Inclusive Economy!" forum was held on March 7 in Quezon City, Philippines. This event, organized by UNIDO Philippines in collaboration with the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, BAN Toxics, and Clean Air Asia, underscored the pivotal role of women in driving environmental sustainability and economic development. The forum brought together approximately 200 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, local and international development organizations, private sector groups, academia, and grassroots communities.
Women Leading Sustainable Industrialization
The forum showcased three UNIDO-implemented projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF):
planetGOLD Philippines Project: Focused on promoting mercury-free artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), this initiative emphasizes the importance of women's leadership in transforming mining practices. Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for the planetGOLD Philippines Project, highlighted that women's involvement ensures that small-scale mining becomes formalized, safer, more responsible, and community-centered.
Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project): Addressing the challenges of healthcare waste, this project recognizes that women constitute 75% of the health profession. Improper waste management can significantly impact women's health, making their leadership crucial in building resilient and healthier communities. Jam Lorenzo, Deputy Executive Director of BAN Toxics and HCW Project Manager, emphasized that women's involvement drives solutions that safeguard both the environment and public health.
e-Mobility ASAP Project: Aiming to accelerate the adoption and scale-up of electric mobility for low-carbon city development in the Philippines, this project highlights the importance of integrating gender perspectives in the transport sector. Ahn Meg Adonis, Sustainable Transport Lead of Clean Air Asia, noted that empowering women in critical industries ensures that the benefits of e-mobility are accessible and equitable for all.
Celebrating Women's Contributions
A highlight of the event was the launch of an original song, "Isulong ang Pagkilos (Ginto ng Bayan)," by the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines in collaboration with women miners from Paracale, Camarines Norte, and Sagada, Mt. Province. This song serves as a call to support and accelerate action for women to achieve holistic change in various industries, emphasizing their vital contributions and the need to advance gender equality in small-scale mining and other sectors.
Global Support for Climate Initiatives
In a related development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $500 million loan to support the Philippines' efforts to tackle climate change. This funding aims to accelerate reforms in sectors like agriculture, natural resources, energy, and transport, steering them toward a climate-resilient and low-carbon path. The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, faces significant disaster risks, impacting its economic momentum and outlook. In 2021, the nation pledged a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The ADB has also earmarked $10 billion in climate finance for the Philippines from 2024 to 2029, aiming to allocate 50% of its annual lending to climate finance by 2030.
Reuters
Inspiring Women Environmental Leaders
The Philippines has been home to numerous women leaders who have significantly contributed to environmental sustainability:
Louise Mabulo: A Filipino environmentalist, social entrepreneur, and chef, Mabulo is the founder of The Cacao Project, which supports over 200 farmers in the San Fernando area. The project focuses on sustainable farming practices, aiming to mitigate climate change while providing farmers with a stable income. Mabulo's efforts have earned her recognition, including being named a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth and a National Geographic Young Explorer.
Lidy Nacpil: A dedicated human rights, environmental, and climate activist, Nacpil coordinates the Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development. Her advocacy focuses on climate justice, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address environmental challenges. Nacpil's leadership extends to global platforms, where she represents the interests of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
Gina Lopez: As a former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Lopez was known for her strong stance against destructive mining practices and her commitment to environmental conservation. Her tenure was marked by bold initiatives aimed at preserving the Philippines' rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Lopez's legacy continues to inspire environmental advocates across the nation.
Loren Legarda: A seasoned legislator and environmentalist, Legarda has been instrumental in passing laws focused on environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and cultural preservation. Her efforts have positioned the Philippines as a proactive player in global environmental initiatives, earning her international recognition for her advocacy.
Conclusion
The "Unite for All Women" forum highlighted the indispensable role of women in achieving a just, green, and inclusive economy. By amplifying women's voices and leadership, the event reinforced the essential role of women in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The forum served as a platform for collective action, encouraging partnerships and concrete solutions to break down gender barriers, promote women's equal participation in environmental action and economic development, and ensure no one is left behind.
No comments:
Post a Comment