By Betty Luke
Rural women have been urged to take part in climate change mitigation and capitalize on their potential to reverse the effects.
During an event to mark International Women’s Day in Burat Ward, Isiolo County, speakers insisted on the need for women, who are among those who bear the brunt of climate change, to come up with initiatives geared towards climate mitigation and adaptation.
County Renewable Energy Chief Officer Barnabas Esunyen implored women to embrace clean cooking energies saying it would greatly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere which has adverse effects on the environment.
“Everyone should endeavor to embrace environmentally-friendly energy. We might not all have access to clean sources of energy but we can use those that releases a little percentage of carbon,” said Mr Esunyen.
The official called on humanitarian organisations to consider donating jikos that are environmental friendly.
The women were also encouraged to cease from tree cutting and instead engage in tree planting as a way of conserving the environment against further degradation.
While recognizing the critical role women play in climate action, Isiolo Gender Watch project officer Peter Ekai called on stakeholders to support women in coming up with sustainable solutions which would in turn help them overcome climatic and economic shocks.
“Women must be empowered both intellectually and financially to ensure they are able to drive change at the community level,” he said.
The event, organized by Eveready Grassroots Network with support from Kenya Platform For Climate Governance( KPCG) through Isiolo Gender Watch, sought to recognize efforts by rural women involved in climate action.
Eveready Grassroots Network, a women group leading climate action in Isiolo, Chairperson Ms Habiba Mohammed revealed that they had taken deliberate steps in rallying the community into supporting climate justice as they had been greatly affected by the prolonged drought.
The group undertook a tree planting exercise at St Paul’s Nursery School to mark the celebration and made a clarion call to the community to embark on afforestation.
“We have been adversely affected by effects of climate change and so are deliberate on ensuring we do not experience suffer in future. We are not only planting trees but also practicing modern farming for enhanced food security,” noted Ms Mohammed.
The network, made up of 27 women groups has brought on board over 700 grassroots women and supported them develop adaptation measures on climate change.
International Women’s Day is commemorated every year to recognize economic, social and political achievements by women across the country.
