In November 2024, I had the immense privilege of experiencing and participating in COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This opportunity was presented to me under the banner of the Empowering Women in Climate Change Governance and Leadership program of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Climate Investment Fund (CIF). As one of the AGNES’ first cohort in the program, I actively participated in panel discussions and side events. This helped achieve the objectives of the leadership program by addressing the gap in women’s representation in climate change discussions and promoting the integration of gender equality into climate policies and programs.
A platform for climate action and advocacy
My participation at the COP29 provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global leaders, policymakers and climate advocates on pressing issues such as achieving net-zero emissions, scaling up climate finance and advancing adaptation strategies. For Kenya, where the impacts of climate change are particularly severe in arid and semi-arid regions, these discussions were directly relevant to our national priorities. Most importantly, women are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they are underrepresented in decision-making spaces, including the COP processes. This disparity underscores the importance of empowering women as leaders and change-makers in climate governance.
Showcasing Kenya’s leadership in climate action
Kenya’s commitment to climate action was a key message I carried to COP29. As the Director of Climate Change for the County Government of Kisii, I shared insights from our local initiatives, including the development of subnational level climate risk assessments, climate action plans and the promotion of nature-based solutions to enhance resilience.
One of the highlights was presenting interventions in our efforts to integrate grassroot women into climate change decision-making processes through participatory climate action planning. In Kisii County, women-led groups have been instrumental in implementing sustainable land and water management practices, restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing food security through nature-based solutions. These initiatives are not only reducing emissions but also empowering communities economically and socially.
Key milestones from COP29
1. Ambition in Climate Action:
The conference focused on raising ambitions for global climate finance. In particular, the African Climate Action Forum emphasized on Africa’s efforts to bridge the gap between global ambitions and local challenges. I participated in discussions on how Africa can align its climate action plans with global goals while addressing regional challenges like land degradation, food insecurity and water scarcity.
2. Gender and Climate Policy:
At COP29, the thematic Gender Day served as a significant platform for discussions on gender and climate policy, highlighting the need for inclusive, equitable climate solutions that integrate women’s perspectives. During this event, the Empowering Women in Climate Change Governance and Leadership program, was a model initiative for fostering gender-responsive climate action. The program aligned well with the goals of the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan, which aims to strengthen gender equality in all aspects of climate policy and implementation. One of the most impactful sessions for me was the dialogue on promotion of gender-responsive climate policies through vulnerability hotspot mapping. In a side event at the IGAD pavilion, I shared insights from Kenya’s progress in integrating gender equity into climate governance frameworks, especially at the subnational level, and learned about innovative approaches from other nations.
3. Youth and Women Engagement:
At COP29, the energy and optimism of youth and women leaders revitalized key discussions, particularly under the agenda items focusing on Gender-Responsive Climate Action and Youth Empowerment for Climate Leadership. Their stories, ranging from grassroots activism to technological innovations, underscored the critical role of investing in youth and women as key drivers of climate solutions. These groups’ engagement is vital for sustaining long-term climate action and fostering inclusive governance. Programs like the Empowering Women in Climate Change Governance and Leadership program are essential in providing platforms for underrepresented groups to lead transformative change, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing inclusive participation and gender equality in climate policy and action.
Lessons and Reflections
My participation at the COP29 in Baku was not just a professional milestone but also a personal experience. I left the conference inspired by the resilience and creativity of communities worldwide, especially women, in the face of the climate crisis. My key realization was that inclusive leadership is not optional; it is essential. The voices of women, youth and marginalized groups are critical to shaping equitable and effective climate policies.
Looking Ahead
Back in Kenya, I am committed to applying the knowledge and networks gained from COP29 to advance climate resilience initiatives. Through my role as the Director of Climate Change for Kisii County and my ongoing doctoral research on dryland resource management, I will continue to champion gender-responsive, science-based and locally led climate solutions.
Call to Action
The journey toward climate justice is collective. By fostering gender-responsive climate policies and investing in the leadership of African women, we can unlock innovative solutions, strengthen community resilience and ensure a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come. African women must not only be seen as victims of climate change but as powerful agents of change, leading the continent toward a more just and climate-resilient future.
I hereby invite policymakers, practitioners, and other climate advocates to join hands in empowering women, enhancing inclusivity and driving impactful climate solutions. COP29 was a milestone, but our work has just begun. Let us act boldly, think inclusively, and lead with compassion for the planet and its people. To all the women leaders I met in Baku: our journey doesn’t end there. Together, we have the power to reshape the narrative of climate governance and build a sustainable future for all.
Gratitude and Commitment
I am deeply grateful to AGNES, the AfDB and CIF for their support and for providing a platform to amplify my voice on a global stage. The experience reaffirmed my commitment to championing gender-responsive climate policies that will foster sustainable development in Kenya and beyond.
