President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday underscored the need to enhance women empowerment and entrench gender equality,  as part of ongoing efforts to combat climate change.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day national celebrations at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi County, the President said Kenya had established a strong platform for women to participate in climate sustainability.

“All the evidence underscores the vital link between gender, social equity and climate change; and recognises that without gender equality, a sustainable future will remain out of reach,” he said.

He went on to outline the various interventions his administration had implemented to advance the country’s gender agenda.

“Actions we have taken to strengthen women empowerment improve their ownership of assets such as land and increase their control of financial resources,” he said..

He added: “We now need to harness that capacity by putting women and girls at the centre of climate change initiatives. This includes initiatives on climate financing, new technologies as well as training.”

At the same time, President Kenyatta lauded Kenyan women leading sustainability initiatives such as KenGen boss Rebecca Miano whose firm has become a continental leader in the generation of renewable energy.

He paid tribute to women leaders who have championed gender equality over the years, terming them trailblazers who paved the way for the progress Kenya achieved in recent years.

“I thank the Department of Gender for organising visits to these women and encourage younger women to draw instructive lessons from these pacesetters.

“We, as a country, advance when we learn from the past and use the lessons as a springboard to build a better future,” Uhuru said, at the ceremony also attended by Rwanda’s First Lady Jeanette Kagame.

During the celebrations, the President conferred the 2022 Gender Trailblazer Awards to outstanding recipients; launched the new Margaret Kenyatta Institute’s Strategic Plan and unveiled the Margaret Kenyatta Speech Book.

In her address, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said this year’s International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Break the bias, was held to underscore the importance of inclusivity in economic development and social change, and thanked the Gender ministry for expanding platforms for women empowerment.

“I thank the Ministry of Public Service, Gender for creating this valuable opportunity to help others find their voice and to celebrate the valuable contribution of the many individuals who have steered forward the journey of empowering our women and girls; individuals who have worked tirelessly to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls,” she said.

Brought cheer

On her part, Jeanette  rallied for concerted efforts in addressing climate change saying women and children were the most affected by the phenomenon. 

Meanwhile Democratic Party Presidential aspirant Justin Muturi stepped off the campaign trail to mark the International Women’s Day with mothers and new-born babies at the Mama Lucy Hospital, Nairobi.

Muturi, who is the Speaker of the National Assembly, brought cheer to the maternity wing of the hospital where he feted the mothers with baby hampers and described motherhood with glowing accolades.

Muturi paid hospital bills for some mothers and opened for others NHIF accounts paid up for one year. 

“I take this opportunity to congratulate all of you as you welcome the lovely newborns into this world.”

Muturi added, as he held a baby in his arms: “Motherhood is such a sacred gift from God. It is this gift that makes mothers the most influential people in the world.”

He noted this year’s International Women’s Day was timely due to the many odds steeped against women.