June 17, 2025 (Machakos, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the Government of Kenya and with support from GIZ, convened a National Dialogue with Women Parliamentarians and Duty Bearers on Gender, Land, and Climate Resilience in Nairobi from 16th to 17th June 2025. This high-level dialogue, part of a series of national consultations across the region, aimed to strengthen women’s leadership and voice in land governance and climate policy processes. The initiative builds on IGAD’s Regional and national Women’s Land Rights Agendas and is grounded in the organisation’s commitment to gender equality, climate resilience, and inclusive land governance.
The meeting was officially opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Fatouma Aden, IGAD Head of Mission to Kenya, who reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to building women’s leadership in land governance and climate justice.
“I wish to reaffirm IGAD’s unwavering commitment to building women’s leadership on land and climate justice, guided by the vision of our Executive Secretary and the work of the Land Governance Programme. Together, we must continue shaping a more equitable and climate-resilient IGAD region.”
Opening statements were also delivered by senior officials from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the nominated Member of Parliament, representing the National Assembly, Hon. Sabina Chege.
“I applaud IGAD’s efforts in advancing gender-responsive land governance and climate resilience. The Government of Kenya remains firmly committed to promoting gender equity in land reform and climate action. Inclusive policies are not just necessary—they are essential to achieving our national and regional development goals.”
Over the course of two days, women parliamentarians, government representatives, and key stakeholders explored the nexus between land rights, gender equality, and climate resilience. Discussions centred around:
- The status and implementation of Kenya’s Women’s Land Rights Agenda
- National strategies on gender and climate change
- Opportunities and barriers to women’s leadership and decision making in land governance spaces
- Budgeting processes and policy frameworks to support gender-transformative programming
A dynamic panel of women parliamentarians from various parliamentary committees—including Environment, Agriculture, Gender, Land, and Budget—shared insights on how to leverage legislative spaces to advance gender and climate justice.
The dialogue also provided space for reflection on emerging issues and opportunities to influence national and regional policymaking.
As a key outcome, the dialogue will contribute to the development of a national policy brief aligned with Kenya’s Women’s Land Rights Agenda and Gender & Climate Change Strategies. The dialogue also feeds into the regional dialogue scheduled for 9–11 July 2025 in Nairobi, where IGAD Member States will consolidate national priorities into a collective regional platform.
IGAD remains committed to strengthening inclusive governance frameworks that elevate women’s leadership, secure land rights, and promote climate resilience across the region.
