Women call for more financial support to scale innovative climate solutions.

On May 16, 2024, the Women in Climate Change (WiCC) Conference took place at the Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Advancing Climate Financing for Scaling Women and Youth-led Climate Innovations.”

Organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment Climate Change Department, GIZ Uganda with the support of the Government of Germany, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with support of the European Union, and the Makerere University Business School, this annual event brought together over 300 stakeholders to address the critical need for sustainable financing to support women-led climate initiatives and innovations.

Key discussions revolved around advancing climate financing for women and youth-led initiatives, using technology and innovation for environmental sustainability, and advocating for gender-responsive policies in climate action. The conference also featured the Women in Climate Change awards, recognizing achievements across six categories: Young Woman Innovation Award, Women in Technology Award, Climate Policy Advocacy/Leadership Award, Climate Activist of the Year Award, Outstanding Female in Climate Action at Grassroots Level Award, and Outstanding Male Champion in Climate Action Award.

The event was graced by dignitaries from the European Union in Uganda, the German Embassy, the Makerere University Business School, and the Danish Embassy, among others. Notably, the state minister for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim, and the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, attended as the host and guest of honour, respectively. Representatives from the private sector, public institutions, financial organizations, academia, civil society, and more, engaged in the discussions and showcased their projects.

The keynote address was delivered by the Patron of the WiCC Conference Ms. Margaret Athieno Mwebesa, who is also the Commissioner, Climate Change Department, Ministry of Water and Environment. She mentioned that through climate change negotiations by countries including Uganda, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has established several financial mechanisms including the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund, Special Climate Change Fund and now the Loss and damage Fund, to support climate action. “Uganda is eligible to all these funds. If we wrote very good proposals, we would tap into these resources” she said, calling upon partners to support/train women in writing proposals for bankable projects. ?

"Women are the change agents of tomorrow. Let's promote bankable projects that meet investor needs and drive sustainable progress," emphasized Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim. She further affirmed Uganda’s commitment to the green growth pathway of development.

Hon. Evelyn Anite highlighted the need for alternative financing solutions to for women. She also stated that women, as victims of climate change, need access to alternative financing solutions to empower and support their resilience.

Additionally, Ms. Alicia van den Boom, the head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Uganda, noted that Germany looks to ensure that all marginalized groups including women are involved in policy formulation as active participants.

The conference was also graced by the Climate Ambassador from Denmark, Mr. Thomas Anker Christensen who highlighted the direct benefit of energy transition to women and reiterated Denmark's readiness to make their contribution both in concessional finance and in all other measures including debt. Mr. Anker Christensen called for inclusion of women at the table for climate change discussions and negotiations and making sure women’s voices and needs are heard and added.

The WiCC 2024 conference provided a platform for sharing innovative ideas and nurturing networking and partnerships.

Below is a photo highlight from the day's event

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