By Gift Chiponde 

Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), an official partner of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), has commended Malawi for being exemplary in putting women in critical and decision making positions especially those impacting climate change.

The remarks were made at one of the sideline events at the Conference of Parties (COP) 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where WECF invited Malawi to a prize presentation ceremony aimed at supporting gender and climate justice initiatives.

In her remarks Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Janet Banda, commended the organisation for recognising Malawi Government efforts in uplifting women.

"In a bid to empower women in climate action, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera launched Women in Climate Action Network in 2021 to ensure that women take charge of issues that affect them most. This is a sign of seriousness," she said.

Executive Director for WESF, Sascha Gabizon, said sustainable development and climate action cannot succeed without integrating gender equity.

She added that the way female delegates represented Malawi at COP29 reflects how they are valued as critical agents of resilience and innovation.

"The organisation trained the first five female swim teachers and lifeguards in Mozambique, as well as certified the first female scuba divers in the region.

“The project has a great impact on sustainable entrepreneurship via innovative women-led mussels’ aquaculture cooperative which ensures economic autonomy and creates jobs,” she said.

COP is an annual meeting of the United Nations member states aimed at addressing climate change. It is based on the international treaty called the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This year's meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan brought together countries to negotiate and advance solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation and financing.