Cape Town, South Africa — As the climate crisis intensifies, it is clear that its impact is not experienced equally. Women across Africa, particularly in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and healthcare, bear the brunt of climate-related challenges, with their health and wellbeing disproportionately affected. In an urgent effort to address these concerns, a critical webinar titled “Climate Change, Women’s Health, and the Fossil Fuel Influence” will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6 PM.
This webinar will bring together leading voices from across Africa to shed light on how climate change exacerbates health risks for women, particularly maternal health and public health vulnerabilities. With an eye on the fossil fuel industry’s role in this crisis, the discussion will also focus on how advertising by these companies perpetuates harmful environmental practices, and how disrupting fossil fuel greenwashing could accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, equitable future.
Sign-Up Link: https://tinyurl.com/FABevent1
Featured Panelists:
- Patricia Odeibea Bekoea ~ Founder of the Odeibea Foundation and Administrative Secretary of 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (G-ROC), will discuss the links between climate justice, sustainability, and women’s empowerment across Africa. With over a decade of experience in the field, Bekoe advocates for reproductive health and the need for gender-responsive climate action.
- Maryam Bukar Hassan, known as **Alhanislam**, a celebrated performance poet and social entrepreneur, will share her insights as a Pan-Africanist and advocate for women’s rights and maternal health, exploring the human stories behind the statistics of climate change.
- Dr. Gloria Maimela, Public Health Specialist at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, will present her research on the effects of extreme heat on pregnant women and healthcare workers, drawing on her 20+ years of experience in climate and health research.
- Lazola Kati, Campaign Manager for the Fossil Ad Ban, will unpack the powerful connection between fossil fuel advertising and climate injustice. She will explain how the Fossil Ad Ban campaign is disrupting fossil fuel greenwashing in South Africa and across the continent.
The discussion will be moderated by Thameena Dhansay, a dedicated Fossil Ad Ban campaigner who has been at the forefront of mobilizing efforts to bring about stricter regulations on fossil fuel advertising.
Why This Matters:
Women are at the frontlines of climate change—facing increased health risks, including respiratory issues, pregnancy complications, and limited access to healthcare services in displaced regions. In sectors such as agriculture and water collection, environmental disruptions have heightened the daily challenges they face. Gender norms and systemic barriers further exacerbate their vulnerability, restricting their access to critical resources and decision-making processes.
This webinar will not only address the public health risks but will also expose the primary drivers of climate change—fossil fuel companies. With only 24 countries globally having agreements to manage their shared water resources, and fossil fuel advertising playing a central role in enabling environmental harm, the need for unified action has never been greater.
The Fossil Ad Ban Campaign:
The Fossil Ad Ban campaign, led by Fossil Free South Africa, is an effort to push for regulatory bans on fossil fuel advertising in line with United Nations recommendations. Inspired by successful campaigns in Europe, Australia, and Canada, this is the first initiative of its kind in Africa. Just as the banning of tobacco advertising transformed public perceptions of smoking, the regulation of fossil fuel advertising has the potential to reshape societal views on energy consumption and climate action.
Event Agenda:
- Opening and Introduction – 5 minutes
- Individual Presentations – 10 minutes each (40 minutes total)
- Questions and Comments – 15 minutes
- Conclusion – 5 minutes
Join the Conversation:
This webinar offers a rare opportunity to hear from some of the continent’s foremost experts in climate justice, public health, and women’s empowerment. Don’t miss this critical discussion on how we can collectively forge a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future for women across Africa.
Sign-Up Link:
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM SAST
Visit the website for additional information: https://www.fossiladban.org.za/
