Introduction



On Thursday 9th March, 2023, Isiolo Gender Watch had the privilege of meeting with a group of indigenous women in Isiolo to discuss climate change and climate governance efforts. The meeting was aimed at seeking the support of the women in promoting sustainable practices and policies to mitigate climate change effects. This report highlights the key issues discussed during the meeting and the commitments made by the women.

Discussion

During the meeting, we had a fruitful discussion on climate change and its impact on the community. The women expressed their concerns about the adverse effects of climate change on their livelihoods, health, and the environment. They noted that the prolonged droughts, erratic weather patterns, and depletion of natural resources have made it difficult for them to sustain their families and communities.

The women acknowledged the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices. They noted that the community needs to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. They emphasized that the government, development partners, and other stakeholders should work together to promote climate governance and sustainable practices.

Commitments

The women pledged to support climate change and climate governance efforts in various ways. Some of the commitments made include:

1. Promoting tree planting and conservation - The women pledged to mobilize their communities to plant trees and conserve existing forests. They noted that trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and conserving water resources.
2. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices - The women pledged to adopt sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture, to mitigate climate change effects on food production.
3. Advocating for policies that promote climate governance - The women pledged to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders to promote policies that support climate governance and sustainable practices.
4. Capacity building - The women pledged to work with relevant organizations to build their capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Conclusion

The meeting with the indigenous women in Isiolo was a success, and the commitments made by the women are commendable. Their support for climate change and climate governance efforts is crucial in promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the effects of climate change. It is now up to the government, development partners, and other stakeholders to work with the women to ensure that their commitments are realized.