Women Environmental Defenders Call for Stronger State Support Amid Mounting Challenges

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

WEDs, largely composed of women, play a critical role in advocating for environmental conservation and championing the rights of women, children, and persons living with disabilities. Many operate within organisations focused on gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), and climate resilience initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.

During a two-day consultative meeting held in Kitui County, key stakeholders including the State Department for Gender (Kitui County Office), Women Human Rights Defenders Hub, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Caritas Kitui among other duty bearers, convened to examine existing gaps, challenges, and implementation barriers affecting WEDs and their organisations.

Participants identified several pressing challenges hindering their work. Key among these were limited financial resources, particularly for mobility when responding to GBV cases or conducting field investigations, underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making structures, inadequate capacity-building opportunities and insufficient, often poorly structured public participation forums within the county.

Stakeholders noted that while government-led initiatives such as the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLoCCA) programme have made strides in supporting climate-smart agriculture, water, and environmental conservation projects, significant shortcomings remain. Concerns were raised over the programme’s limited gender responsiveness and the lack of meaningful inclusion of women, especially at the grassroots level.

Luciana Ndila, Director at the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action in Kitui County, emphasised the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children. She underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to address systemic challenges. “When climate change strikes, it affects everyone, but women and children bear the greatest burden. Women Environmental Defenders are essential in restoring degraded environments and protecting livelihoods. Without their involvement, families and communities face increased vulnerability,” Ndila stated.

Diana Letion, an officer at the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub, noted that the dialogue had helped bridge gaps between WEDs and government actors. She highlighted concerns around ineffective public participation and limited gender inclusivity within climate programmes.“Through this engagement, we have critically analysed the gaps between government efforts and the realities faced by women defenders. Moving forward, we intend to monitor progress to ensure gender mainstreaming and inclusive public participation particularly within the FLoCCA programme are realised,” Letion said.

Participants also called for increased civic education at the grassroots level to empower women and persons with disabilities to understand their rights and actively participate in decision-making processes. They stressed that inclusive engagement is essential in ensuring climate and gender programmes are both effective and equitable.

As the country intensifies efforts to address climate change and social inequalities, WEDs remain at the forefront of community resilience. However, stakeholders warn that without targeted support, policy alignment, and adequate resources, their impact will remain constrained.