Act Now: Annual SRHR and Climate Change Summit 2024

Kisumu, Kenya – In a powerful display of advocacy, the Kisumu regional team took center stage at the 2024 Annual Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) & Climate Change Summit. Bringing together voices from diverse sectors, the summit highlighted the critical link between gender equality and climate resilience, emphasizing the need for solutions that address the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of marginalized groups in the face of climate challenges.

The Commission's presence as a key panelist signaled a strong commitment to promoting gender-responsive approaches to climate action. Leading the regional delegation, Davis Okeyo, Kisumu's regional head, underscored the urgent need for inclusive strategies that prioritize both health rights and climate resilience. Okeyo’s remarks shed light on the heightened impact of climate change on women, girls, and other vulnerable populations, calling for equitable solutions that address systemic challenges.

“Climate change disproportionately affects women and other marginalized groups,” stated Okeyo. “As we address these urgent issues, it is imperative that our responses are not only effective but also equitable, ensuring all voices contribute to shaping sustainable solutions.”

The summit, a gathering point for policymakers, environmentalists, and rights advocates, underscored the essential integration of gender into climate policy. Discussions emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for all individuals, particularly those most affected by climate volatility, to have an active role in decision-making processes.

In its advocacy, the Commission reiterated its pledge to continue embedding gender considerations in climate policies, with a focus on fostering resilience across vulnerable communities. The event underscored the necessity of tailored policies that account for the distinct experiences of women, youth, and marginalized genders, who often bear the brunt of climate-related hardships.

With stakeholders from multiple sectors collaborating on sustainable development and resilience frameworks, the summit marked a significant step toward aligning SRHR priorities with climate action. The Kisumu team’s contributions to the summit underscore a commitment to advancing inclusive, evidence-based policies that honor the health and rights of all individuals amid the pressing realities of climate change.

NGEC Kisumu Region Head Davis Okeyo presents during the 2024 Annual Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) & Climate Change Summit in Kisumu