Development partners have been urged to enhance their support for female legislators to strengthen their advocacy for women’s land rights and climate resilience.

Nominated Member of Parliament, Sabina Chege  acknowledged the support already extended to women leaders but called for greater investment to build their capacity.

“We appreciate and value the support of development partners who work with lawmakers, but more can be done to better equip female legislators to fight for women’s land rights,” said Hon. Chege.

She made the remarks during a high-level National Dialogue on Gender, Land, and Climate Resilience, convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), where she represented National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss.  

“As female lawmakers, we are better placed to spearhead the land equality campaign, since it affects us directly and those we represent,” she added.

IGAD’s Head of Mission to Kenya, Dr. Fatouma Aden, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to empowering women in land governance and climate action.

"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,” said Dr. Aden.

The two-day forum which started today was organised by IGAD in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the State Department of Gender, among others. 

Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) participated in the event, including Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben), Hon. Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Hon. Janet Sitienei (Turbo), and Hon. Fatuma Jehow (Wajir).

The legislators emphasized the importance of leveraging on the voice and leadership of female parliamentarians to drive the women’s land rights and climate resilience agenda.