We Young Indigenous women are the custodians of our lands, waters, and cultures. Our deep connection to the land and our traditional knowledge provides us with unique perspectives and solutions to the climate crisis. We are resilient, innovative, and determined to protect our homelands for future generations. Yet, we face unprecedented challenges due to climate change, and our rights to land and natural resources are under constant threat. Despite these challenges, we are a force to be reckoned with. The statistics of number of indigenous people losing their lives to brutal acts by government and corporations aiming to exploit resources from their lands and territories.

It is time for our voices to be heard, our spaces at negotiation table recognized and full inclusion on discussions about us accorded. We call for policies that respect our rights, recognize our contributions, and empower us to lead in climate action, sustainable development and leadership.

Indigenous youths recognize their critical role and call for immediate actions by relevant stakeholders on their inclusion and active participation in:

• Ownership, management of community land
• Leadership
• Natural resource governance
• Climate change mitigation
• Climate Justice

CALL-TO-ACTION

Full and Effective Participation:

• Demand for equal representation and decision-making power in all climate change negotiations, land, and natural resource governance processes at local, national, and international levels. We demand full inclusion in county climate change committee and in decision pertaining to county climate change fund.
• Call for full inclusion in dedicated spaces and platforms for young Indigenous women to share their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives this include inclusion in decision making pertaining to climate change at national level in the National climate change steering committee

Recognition and Protection of Indigenous Rights:

• Demand for unconditional recognition and upholding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including land tenure, self-determination, and cultural integrity as stated in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 Article 56 (That upholds the rights of minorities and marginalized communities and obligates the state to put in place affirmative action Programmes designed to ensure that marginalized communities participate and are represented in governance)
• Call for the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in all decisions affecting Indigenous lands and resources.

Climate Justice and Reparations:

• Demand for climate justice, acknowledging the historical and ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples to climate change mitigation and adaptation while disproportionately bearing the brunt of its impacts.
• Call for financial reparations and support for loss and damage caused by climate change in Indigenous territories. Full inclusion in conversations pertaining to carbon credit.

Access to Resources and Technology:

• Demand for equitable access to climate finance, technology, and capacity building for Indigenous women-led initiatives. Demand for full access to network coverage in marginalized areas occupied by indigenous communities.
• Call for capacity building and support in developing and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies based on Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Land Rights and Tenure Security:

• Demand for secure land tenure rights for Indigenous women, including collective and individual ownership.
• Call for protection of Indigenous lands and territories from land grabbing, extractive industries, and other threats.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security:

• Demand for support in developing sustainable livelihoods that respect Indigenous cultures and knowledge.
• Call for investment in Agroecological and climate-resilient agriculture to ensure food security for Indigenous communities.

Education and Capacity Building:

• Demand for culturally appropriate education and training programs for Indigenous women and youth.
• Call for support in developing leadership and advocacy skills to empower
• Indigenous women to participate effectively in decision-making processes.

Recommendations

Integrate Indigenous Knowledge: Incorporate Indigenous knowledge, practices, and worldviews into climate policies, land management, and natural resource governance.

Gender-Responsive Climate Action: Design and implement climate actions with a gender lens, addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of Indigenous women.

Youth-Led Initiatives: Support and invest in youth-led initiatives that address climate change, land, and natural resource challenges.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress on gender equality and Indigenous Peoples’ rights within climate and environmental policies.

Partnerships and Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships between Indigenous Peoples, governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve shared goals.

Data Collection and Analysis: Invest in research and data collection on the impacts of climate change and resource management on Indigenous women.

Policy Coherence: Ensure that climate, land, and natural resource policies are aligned and mutually reinforcing.