• Women leaders held a meeting dubbed 'Towards a women-led climate action in COP-28' to address issues around climate adaptation and resilience.
• It among other things addressed the need to scale up adaptation finance that will benefit communities affected by the extreme effects of climate change here in Kenya.
The Office of the First Lady Rachel Ruto through Mama Doing Good in partnership with GROOTS Kenya convened climate women leaders and grassroot communities in Nairobi.
The meeting was aimed at discussing the pertinent involvement of women in climate action.
The meeting dubbed 'Towards a women-led climate action in COP-28' addressed issues around climate adaptation and resilience.
It also addressed the need to scale up adaptation finance that will benefit communities affected by the extreme effects of climate change here in Kenya.
CEO of Mama Doing Good John Chumo said Africa is no stranger to the devastating impacts of climate change.
"It is imperative that we recognise the unique challenges faced by our continent and the critical role that women play in addressing the climate crisis. However, despite the adversities we face, women have emerged as powerful champions of climate action," Chumo said.
"They are at the forefront of sustainable development initiatives, advocating for renewable energy, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and driving innovation in adaptation and resilience strategies."
Women’s Rights Advisor Executive Office of the President Harriet Chigai said we should invest in women during early warning systems
"We need to provide solutions for alternative energy sources and protect our future through climate financing solutions that consider the many women and girls on the continent who are holding forte in their own small but effective ways," she said.
Chigai added that rural women are still amongst the most marginalised groups in society as they are largely excluded from land ownership and from credit in Africa.
She said that they also have little access to emerging technology.
"We will soon lead an Africa conversation as a build up from the African Climate Summit on investing in African women farmers to increase food security on the continent. The Food Security Summit will bring together women to give solutions that will make this continent food secure. We can actually feed the world if we put women on the forefront," she said.
The Executive Director of GROOTS Kenya Fridah Githuku on the other hand alluded to the fact that climate change worsens all existing inequalities for women and girls.
"This is a testament to our commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equity in shaping climate action, a commitment to climate justice, and a commitment to bringing everyone along,"she said.