By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Oct. 10, GNA – Interfaith women have been urged to champion environmental conservation while creating sustainable livelihoods through recycling, waste management and other environmentally friendly economic activities.
The Reverend Professor Ebenezer Yaw Blasu, Director, Allison M. Howell Centre for Religion, Environment, Science and Development of Akrofi-Christaller Institute, said women’s nurturing and protective roles placed them in a unique position to promote the care of creation.
“Women’s nurturing and protective roles placed them in a unique position to promote the care of creation, drawing inspiration from biblical, Quranic and traditional religious teachings,” he said.
Speaking at the Opening Session of the Faith to Action Women’s Conference (FAWC) 2026 in Accra, on the theme: “Women, Climate Justice and Sustainable Peace,” he noted that environmental conservation could provide economic opportunities, citing the conversion of coconut husks and other organic waste into briquettes.
The Conference, held on October 7, was organised by the Centre for Interfaith Studies and Engagement in Africa (CISEA) and brought together women from Muslim, Christian and traditional leadership to discuss practical approaches and further guidance on environmentally friendly income-generating activities.
Rev Prof said organic waste could also be processed into manure for vegetable farming, citing his wife’s practice of using homemade manure to grow onions, tomatoes and pepper.
He urged the women to see environmental stewardship not only as a responsibility but also as an opportunity to protect the environment, improve livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development.
Mrs Benedicta Kwakye, Wife of the Moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, said women’s voices and leadership must be integrated into decision-making on climate change, food security, land, water and local development to promote climate justice and sustainable peace.
She said climate change had a direct impact on households and communities, particularly women who often bore the greatest burden when food became scarce, water was difficult to access and livelihoods were threatened, adding that women should be given opportunities to shape policies and actions on climate justice, sustainable development and peace.
Mrs Kwakye, the Special Guest of Honour, said Christian, Muslim and traditional teachings placed value on responsible stewardship, care, balance and avoidance of waste, adding that the different faith traditions could work together without being identical.
She urged participants to begin with three actions – listen, make room and act together – saying communities must listen to women, including farmers, traders, fisherfolks, young women and women with disability, and involve them in decision-making.
The Faith to Action Women’s Conference is an annual event aimed at inspiring and empowering women to transform their religious beliefs into action for peace and development of society.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Patrick Ofoe Nudzi