June 22, 2025 (DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Government of Djibouti and with financial support from GIZ through the SLGA Project, conducted a high-level National Dialogue focused on the nexus among gender, land governance, and climate resilience. The forum brought together women parliamentarians, institutional partners, and thematic experts to explore how inclusive land rights can serve as a foundation for climate adaptation and sustainable development.
The event was part of serious of national consultations in the member States led by IGAD’s Land Governance Unit to strengthen national frameworks and will inform a regional agenda on building climate resilience through ensuring women’s land rights. In Djibouti, the dialogue was particularly timely as the country deepens its climate adaptation strategies amid growing environmental stressors, including drought, floods and environmental degradation.
Safia Elmi, First Vice President of the National Assembly of Djibouti
“Through this mobilisation, the National Assembly is clearly affirming its will to make gender equality a pillar of legislative action, governance and inclusive, equitable and resilient development,” stated Hon. Safia Elmi. She further noted, “Access to land and property rights remains a major challenge in the current urbanisation context. But our Republic has achieved significant success in strengthening women’s legal rights, particularly in areas such as marriage, inheritance and succession.”
Women Parliamentarians from various parliamentary committees engaged in sessions aimed at unpacking the complex links between tenure security, women’s empowerment and community resilience. Emphasis was placed on the importance of integrating gender-responsive approaches across all levels of land legislation, budget allocation and climate-related policies.
IGAD’s Foreign Service Institute (IFSI) has played a central role in anchoring the dialogue within broader institutional reform efforts. By supporting capacity development and regional peer learning, IFSI is ensuring that these national experiences translate into long-term regional land governance improvements.
Mohamed Omar, Director of IGAD Foreign Service Institute
“You have already overcome many barriers to reach the decision-making table and remain role models for the next generation. You are true champions of gender-responsive land governance and climate resilience,” said Mr Mohamed Omar. He added, “Our gathering today is designed to reflect on these challenges, recognise your vital role in analysing and monitoring sectoral policies, and ensure that marginalised women are truly heard and represented.”
Discussions were steered by Ms. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD’s Head of Mission in Uganda, who coordinates the regional dialogue series. She noted that the Djibouti engagement builds on the momentum of previous dialogues in South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia, and serves as a critical step toward shaping the upcoming regional roadmap on gender and land.
The deliberations will culminate in a set of national priorities to be reflected in the IGAD Regional Policy Brief on Women Land Tenure Security and Climate Resilience, to be presented in Nairobi in July. These outcomes will support Member States in aligning their land governance policies with climate resilience goals and regional commitments under IGAD, the African Union and global frameworks.
The Djibouti dialogue reaffirms IGAD’s commitment to placing women parliamentarians at the heart of governance dialogues and solutions—where their voices can influence not only policy, but the future of sustainable land management in the region.
