The group, all members of the Women Affairs Bureau satellite groups of Regions Five and Six, participated in a workshop on climate change that was coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Women’s Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, a press release said.
The objective of the workshop was to enhance the involvement of women in learning, discussion and action on the environment and the participants were exposed to interactive activities on the issue of climate change, its challenges, consequences and measures for adaptation.
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its importance in addressing the problem of climate change were also addressed, the release noted. The women who are also managers of the household use of energy, water and waste production participated in several practical exercises to learn about environmental issues, their impact on the environment, life in general and women and their ability to provide for their families.
‘Carbon footprints’, a measure of the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere through people’s daily activities, was highlighted as well as actions to ensure small carbon footprints.
Participants, the release stated, learnt that through conservation efforts they can reduce energy and water use and waste production in the home and work environment.
Towards the end of the workshop, participants brainstormed several ideas for possible small projects they could undertake in their communities.
During a short opening ceremony, Senior Environ-mental Officer of the EPA, Padmini Persaud-Roberts noted that women are significant managers of natural resources and the environment.
She pointed out that the workshop was intended to help women to influence positive environmental behavioural changes within their homes and communities and equip them to become strong and influential advocates and stewards within their respective communities.
Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Hymawattie Lagan encouraged participants to make maximum use of the opportunity and to influence change within their communities. And Regional Chairman, Region Six, Zulfikar Mustapha noted the critical importance of being educated on climate change in a world already experiencing the impacts of the phenomenon, the release added.
