22/04/2026
*Opinion:Our Power, Our Planet:*
By Joyce Wanjiru,Beyond the Scars CBO/Women in Ecological Justice Network
As we mark Earth Day under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” I speak from lived experience on the frontlines of climate action.
In Nairobi’s informal settlements, climate change is not abstract. Floods destroy homes, waste systems collapse, and extreme heat worsens already fragile living conditions. In these spaces, women environmental defenders are not waiting for solutions—we are creating them.
We organize waste collection, unblock drainage systems, promote clean energy, and mobilize communities to adapt to climate risks. We are the backbone of local climate resilience. Yet despite this leadership, we remain excluded from climate finance and decision-making. Funding exists, but it is fragmented, difficult to track, and rarely reaches grassroots actors. Public participation often feels symbolic—women are present, but our voices rarely shape final outcomes.
At the same time, we face real risks. Women environmental defenders encounter intimidation, harassment, and sometimes arrest when advocating for environmental justice. We are expected to lead—but not protected while doing so. This must change:
-First, Nairobi must invest in gender-responsive climate finance. Funds should be clearly allocated to support women-led initiatives, with transparent tracking and accountability. Inclusion must go beyond consultation to real influence.
-Second, participation must be accessible. Community-level forums, transport support, childcare, and timely information can ensure women are not just invited—but able to engage meaningfully.
-Third, and most urgently, we need a Women Environmental Defender Protection Fund. This would provide legal aid, emergency healthcare, temporary relocation, and psycho-social support for those at risk. Protecting defenders is not optional—it is essential.
Supporting women environmental defenders is not just about equity; it is about effectivenes