KEWOPA Champions Gender-Responsive Biodiversity Governance in Kenya

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), under the outstanding leadership of The Hon. National Chair, Leah Sankaire, joined forces with FIDA-Kenya and WWF-Kenya to host a Parliamentary Policy Dialogue on gender-responsive biodiversity and natural resource governance. The dialogue aimed to strengthen the capacity of Members of Parliament to embed gender considerations in legislation, oversight, and resource allocation in alignment with Target 23 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Women and girls play a pivotal role in conservation through their daily engagement in water management, land restoration, and community-based resource traditions. Recognizing this, KEWOPA continues to advocate for policies that amplify women’s leadership, protect Kenya’s natural heritage, and promote inclusive, sustainable development.

“The participation of women in natural resource governance is not only a matter of equity, but a critical factor in achieving sustainable management of our ecosystems,” said Hon. Leah Sankaire. “KEWOPA remains committed to supporting women parliamentarians, integrating gender perspectives into environmental policy, and ensuring that women and girls are central to conservation and climate resilience initiatives.”

The dialogue also underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making and multi-sector collaboration. By integrating women’s perspectives into environmental policies and budgeting, Parliament can safeguard Kenya’s biodiversity while promoting equitable and sustainable development outcomes.

Through such engagements, KEWOPA continues to demonstrate visionary leadership in ensuring that gender equity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand for the benefit of present and future generations.

In partnership with: State Department for Gender, Kenya National Assembly, Parliament of Kenya, and the National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya