First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has joined other African First Ladies in a continental campaign commitment to address women’s resilience amid climate change and conflict during a high-level side event at the 80th UN General Assembly.
Mrs Mahama participated in the gathering organized by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), themed “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict.”
All participating First Ladies made unified campaign commitments to address these global challenges affecting African women and girls.
The discussions examined the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation and armed conflicts on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls who often experience displacement, resource scarcity, and increased violence.
The First Ladies committed to advocating for policies, mobilizing resources, and implementing programs targeting the unique challenges faced by women and girls in climate and conflict-affected regions.
Mrs Mahama’s commitment statement centered on the theme of “Strength,” focusing on African solutions rooted in women and girls’ capabilities.
“I pledged to support this campaign that centers on African solutions and strength, which is rooted in its women and girls,” she stated during the event.
The First Lady emphasized the role of women and girls in sustaining families and communities during climate and conflict challenges.
“In the face of climate and conflict challenges, their courage sustains families and communities. By investing in their strength, we build resilience for generations to come,” Mrs Mahama said.
The collective commitment represents a coordinated continental approach to addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities created by climate change and armed conflicts.
The First Ladies’ campaign pledge establishes a framework for advocacy efforts aimed at policy makers and resource mobilization for affected communities.
The OAFLAD event provided a platform for African First Ladies to coordinate responses to intersecting challenges of climate change and conflict that disproportionately affect women and girls across the continent.
The unified campaign commitment establishes a shared agenda for advocacy and program implementation.
The First Ladies’ focus on building resilience rather than simply responding to crises reflects evolving approaches to climate and conflict interventions.
Their emphasis on investing in women’s and girls’ existing strengths aims to leverage local capacities for sustainable solutions.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
