A Virtual Panel Discussion Exploring Intersectionality in Economic Development and Health Organized by Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Loreto Generalate, the International Presentation Association, and the Society of the Sacred Heart

Wednesday, 16th of April 2025, 08:30-09:45 am EDT

Background

According to UN Women, almost a billion people (12% of the global population) rely on ocean, seas, and marine resources. However, marine-related work perpetuates gender biases. Men tend to fish and be in charge of hydroculture, while women, particularly young girls, are responsible for low-paying and low-skilled work such as marketing and fish processing. The scarcity of marine resources caused by their exploitation and climate change worsens women’s working conditions and income. Furthermore, water contamination and loss of marine biodiversity affect women in terms of higher illnesses and food insecurity than men and worsen their care burdens. Thus, climate change in life below water (oceans, seas, and marine resources) negatively impacts women’s physical and mental health.^[1] To achieve solutions, women and youth should be at the centre of debates and decision-making, which is our event’s objective.

Objectives of the Panel Discussion, including relation with the SDGs identified in the Guidelines

• Understand the intersectionality between gender inequality (SDG 5) and the protection of our oceans and rivers to effectively advance sustainable development (SDG 14).
• Share testimonies from young people about their activism to inspire and engage their peers, especially focusing on local economies (SDG 8), health (SDG 3), and global partnerships (SDG 17).
• Provide a space for fruitful conversations on challenges and opportunities at the national and international levels by Youth,
• Identify possible ways of future collaboration, along with engaging in advocacy with the Youth.

Speakers/panelists

• Brian O’Toole – Director, Presentation Interprovincial Justice Desk, Ireland: Why is the intersection between SDG 5 and SDG 14 important to your grassroots work and sustainable development? How do you see SDG 5 and 14 intersecting in your own community? How do you take action?
• Juanita Ariza – Researcher & Advocate, Secretary of the Senate Water Commission – Colombia: Can you share with us the ways in which ocean and river contamination disproportionately impact women’s and girls’ health?
• Andrea Villarreal Rodriguez – Visual Storyteller and Community Organiser Monterrey, Mexico: Why is it important to advocate for climate change and as well as life below water? (specifically why should young people be involved)

Breakout rooms:

• Questions for discussion are found below specific to each breakout Room
  • Breakout room 1: The impact of oceans and rivers’ deterioration on women’s work and economic development.
    • Do you have a story to share from your own life/community/country related to how women and/or girls are affected by the state of health of bodies of water? Examples could include forced displacement, loss of economic opportunities, or lack of representation in fields of marine studies.
    • Q&A session with speaker
  • Breakout room 2: Securing women and girls’ right to health by safeguarding oceans and rivers
    • Who here previously has some understanding or experience of life below water disproportionately affecting women and girls’ health due to climate change? Please share a story…
    • What actions could or have been taken by your government regarding oceans and rivers’ contamination and women’s health?
    • Q&A session with speaker
  • Breakout room 3: Recentering women and youth voice at the heart of sustainable development (SDG 17)
    • It is often thought climate change is a young person’s issue, how can we change this narrative to engage with multi-generational conversations?
    • Do you have any stories based on the threat against life below water you would like to share?
    • Q and A session with speaker

Zoom Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ziAoQ8d5RMi2XOKQ-zh3SA (Interpretation will be available in Spanish and French)

^[1] “SDG 14: Life Below Water,” UN Women, accessed March 4, 2025, https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/women-and-the-sdgs/sdg-14-life-below-water.