ASIAN WOMEN’S FORUM ON CLIMATE JUSTICE

Dear Friends,

Stronger and more frequent typhoons and cyclones as well as heavier flooding have  become a regular occurrence as climate change intensifies. Developing countries are the most affected by these phenomena. Among the sectors of the population, women are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, primarily because they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent for their livelihood on natural resources which are threatened & destroyed by climate change. The unequal access to resources and marginalization in decision-making processes further aggravate the situation of women.  Further, displacements caused by climate change have intensified gender-based violence (GBV) risks in emergency situations.

In the case of the Philippines, it is still recovering from the destruction and trauma brought about by the series of strong typhoons, such as Sendong/Washi (December 2011), Pablo /Bopha (December 2012) and recently, super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan (November 2013). 

Other countries in Asia also have to grapple with more frequent natural disasters that beset them. Thus, the undersigned organizations would like to invite you or your representative/s to a  discussion among Asian women that aims to broaden and deepen our understanding of climate change and its impact on women in developing countries, and related issues, through the Asia Women Forum on Climate Justice this coming July 2-3, 2014 at the Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman, Quezon City. 

The forum aims to:

a) Convene women leaders from different Asian countries to share and learn on the issues of climate change and how the situation affects grassroots women in different situations;

b) Establish network and linkages among different women’s groups especially at the grassroots level;

c) Foster closer cooperation and develop mechanisms for effective campaigns on climate justice among women and climate justice activists across Asia.

This is a pre-registered event, so we would appreciate that you confirm your participation by PRE-REGISTERING thru email: women4climatejustice@gmail.com  or text: 0917-513-0992. You may also call and send the attached reply form by fax through this number: 355-2578. Pls. look for Lou. 

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.

In Solidarity,

Mabel Carumba                                                                Clarissa V. Militante

International Institute on Research                                   Focus on the Gllobal South

and Education – Manila  

Sindy Soler                                                                        Corazon V. Fabros

Mindanao Tri-People Women                                            STOP the War Coaltiion-

Resource Center, Inc                                                         Philippines