Philemon Jambaya
Zim Now Editor
Kenyan lawyer and climate justice advocate, Jackie Menjo, has underscored the urgent need for the inclusion of women in climate change decision-making processes. Menjo is in Harare attending the African Women’s Sustainability Summit where she is sharing Kenya’s experiences in combating the effects of climate change.
Highlighting the devastating impact of the recent El Niño floods in Kenya, which claimed over 300 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, Menjo emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. While acknowledging the Kenyan government’s efforts to enact a Climate Change Act, he expressed concern over the exclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and people with disabilities, in the implementation process.
“Climate change disproportionately affects women,” Menjo said. “They are primarily responsible for household chores like fetching water. With the changing climate, water sources are receding, forcing women to walk longer distances, exposing them to personal safety risks and sexual gender-based violence.”
Statistics indicate a surge in rape cases during and after floods and droughts, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of women in such crises. Mendro further pointed out the challenges faced by people with disabilities and children, who are often unable to escape the ravages of climate change without the support of their mothers.
“It is imperative that we bring women to the table,” Menjo stressed. “Their experiences and insights are crucial in developing effective climate change strategies. Women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable practices.”
Menjo criticized the tendency for climate change discussions to be confined to boardrooms and hotels in urban centers, while the most affected communities remain marginalized. she called for a more inclusive approach, ensuring that funds allocated for climate action reach the grassroots level.
“If we continue to exclude vulnerable populations, the climate crisis will only worsen,” Mendro warned. “It is time to empower women and give them a voice in shaping our climate future.”
As the African Women’s Sustainability Summit continues, Menjo’s call for gender inclusivity in climate action is expected to resonate with participants and policymakers alike.
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