Wezesha also recognises the importance in taking the detrimental effects of climate change into consideration when moving forward in its work. Conflict and climate change have a complex relationship that needs to be acknowledged in order to effectively combat its negative effects. Climate change fuels conflict, and conflict contributes to climate change. Climate change brings about natural disasters and resource shortages, which, in turn, lead to conflict [1]. Often, conflict destroys the natural environments in which it takes place. Regions that are already experiencing conflict have decreased capabilities of dealing with the negative effects of climate change due to their weakened institutions and authorities. They are unable to prioritise adapting to climate change because they are preoccupied with security concerns. Recognising this relationship will further help us to make the necessary
accommodations in climate action moving forward.
Women, especially, are negatively affected by climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa. They tend to be heavily involved in agriculture, one of the fields most affected by environmental shifts. In addition to this, women are often responsible for the household chores, such as gathering water and firewood. As climate change reduces natural resources, the lives of these women are increasingly complicated as they have to go much farther to collect the resources their families need on a daily basis. Women also have limited mobility outside of the home and minimal access to information, which renders them exceptionally vulnerable to natural disasters. In fact, women are 14 times more likely to die in a natural disaster than men. Natural disasters and environmental degradation also lead to increased migration. Female migrants are especially vulnerable to the high levels of sex trafficking and violence
that come with being a refugee or internally displaced person.
Actions on climate change will be applied in all key strategic themes since it impacts
all areas of our work.
Wezesha is a sister organisation to AkiDwA, an organisation that works to support African women living in Ireland. Over the years, the two organisations have held conferences, seminars, and workshops targeting women and youth that focused on peace, security, and diversity inclusion. AkiDwA has a strong reputation with the migrant community in Ireland of being a trustworthy and credible organisation, and
Wezesha maintains an extension of the same reputation in Africa. Salome Mbugua, one of the founders of AkiDwA, also helped to establish Wezesha in an effort to connect AkiDwA to those living in Africa. AkiDwA is connected to the EU and other international groups in order to raise awareness on the challenges African women face both in Ireland and Africa. Through its connection with AkiDwA, Wezesha has gained access to a wider network. Wezesha is an affiliate member of the Wheel, European Network
Against Racism, European Network of Migrant Women, and Dóchas. In October 2016, Wezesha was invited to the UN Geneva headquarters by the UN Migration to make a presentation of its work during the 2nd International Dialogue on Migration. This dialogue was attended by the majority of Foreign Affairs Ministers of African countries as well as ministers from other parts of the world. The organisation also has links with the Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Platform (ADEPT). In accelerating the 2030
agenda with the notion of leaving no one behind, Wezesha works collaboratively with its partners towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Wezesha’s goals directly correlate with those of the African Union’s 2063 Agenda. This agenda hopes to reposition Africa in the global scene by working towards inclusive and sustainable development, regional integration, democratic governance, and peace & security. The aspirations of the 2063 Agenda correspond with many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably the fifth goal of achieving gender equality. It strives to reach full gender equality in all spheres of life by empowering and ending violence and discrimination against women and girls.
By 2023, in terms of empowering women and children, the 2063 Agenda hopes to
. End all obstacles relating to women owing/inheriting property or business, signing
a contract, and owning or managing a bank account
. Reduce violence against women
. End all harmful customary practices and social norms
. Reduce youth unemployment
. End child labour exploitation, marriages, trafficking, and soldiering
. Increase the number of women in positions of power within the African Union
. Expand access to quality health care services, particularly for women and girls