Janan Behzad, Secretary General of the Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection, announced the Society’s intention to launch the “Women’s Guide to Climate Action” due to women’s potential in implementing solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of climate change, given their central role in society as mothers, homemakers, and working women. This came as part of the results of the “Women Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development” workshop, organized by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Specialized Environmental Training, affiliated with the Society, in cooperation with the National Association for Family Security “Rawasi”, within the framework of a series of expert workshops as part of the program to prepare workshops for the climate conference.
Behzad emphasized that “women play a crucial role in addressing climate change and improving sustainability. Addressing climate change must be a shared responsibility, and women’s role can have a significant impact on making the world more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They also play a role in encouraging a less consumerist and more efficient lifestyle in terms of resource use, especially at home, such as water and energy, which can contribute to achieving greater sustainability in the consumption of these resources.”.
Regarding the recommendations of the workshop “Women Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development,” which the association organized virtually in cooperation with the National Association for Family Security “Rawasi,” with the participation of a group of prominent women in volunteer and field work from across the Arab world, the Secretary-General of the Environment Association said that they include the following: “Promoting equal opportunities in the workplace contributes to empowering women to participate more in efforts to address climate change. Through interaction with family and community, women can stimulate change and encourage society to take environmentally friendly actions. Encouraging innovation by supporting women in providing creative solutions and innovations to address the challenges of water resource management. Linking environmental practices to values so that the practice becomes a belief rather than a behavior; for example, not wasting water or energy is a form of benevolence to society and to the Earth that provides us with its resources.”.
In announcing the recommendations of the Women and Climate Change workshop, Jinan Behzad added that the recommendations covered several areas, including the relationship between the environment and women, working women, and recommendations for housewives. These recommendations can be summarized as follows: “Because women constitute half of society, their management of the household can change the culture of consumption and replace it with the concepts of sustainability. Furthermore, recycling should be implemented, starting at home with organic waste and greywater, and reused in agriculture, for example, by increasing attention to green spaces at home, training children in gardening, utilizing available spaces, or even using more advanced methods such as hydroponics in vertical containers to utilize small spaces. It is also essential to educate and encourage future mothers to care for the environment and to train them in sustainable development awareness from a young age, including in schools, and to encourage them to engage in rooftop gardening, recycling, rationalizing consumption, and other environmentally friendly behaviors.”.
She added, “Women can pass on environmental culture and values and instill awareness of the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. Women can contribute to the innovation and adoption of environmentally friendly home technologies, such as using solar energy systems or improving the insulation system. Women can also be interested in stimulating the consumption of environmentally friendly products and reducing waste through their home management.”.
Behzad highlighted the following recommendations from the workshop “Women Between Climate Change and Sustainable Development,” organized by the Environment Society in collaboration with Rawasi. She stated, “Government programs should be developed to enhance women’s role in managing sustainability methodologies. Domestic workers are part of our families, and we have a responsibility to educate and support them in reducing waste of resources and water. Women can participate in community-based environmental projects and support initiatives focused on nature conservation and mitigating negative environmental impacts. Mothers are the primary source for teaching their children about environmental conservation and preserving resources. We should encourage the purchase of environmentally friendly products and discourage the use of polluting products. Sustainable use is a key management tool in the circular economy, and women bear responsibilities in the success of sustainable development.”.
In closing, the Secretary-General of the Environmental Protection Society, Jenan Behzad, commended Dr. Khadija Al-Mahmeed, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Association for Family Security “Rawasi,” and Ms. Aisha Al-Youha, Secretary of the Association, for their commendable efforts in ensuring the workshop's success and mobilizing participation. She announced that the recommendations included implementing the successful experience of Ms. Jihad Ali from the Bahrain Women's Association for Human Development in re-germinating seeds at home; reusing and recycling paper to preserve trees; cultivating local fruits and vegetables and supporting local farmers; disseminating environmental practices, behaviors, and ethics within families; setting an example of environmental change and responsibility towards the environment to address climate change; increasing awareness of conservation (water, electricity, food, and fuel); and promoting proper food storage methods that contribute to sustainable use. Finally, she emphasized the critical importance of cultivating a strong community culture.
