Today marked the official signing ceremony of the initiative “Women’s Empowerment and Support for the Environment and Health in Kenya,” funded by the Italian Cooperation and implemented by the Civil Society Organizations “IPSIA” and “We World–GVC.”
The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, the Head of the Regional Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Nairobi, Giovanni Grandi, representatives from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, and officials from the Counties of Narok and Laikipia.
The initiative aims to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, while improving access to economic and natural resources in arid and semi-arid areas. These regions, often inhabited by communities engaged in agro-pastoral activities, are characterized by high rates of gender-based violence, particularly in societies where patriarchal structures are deeply entrenched, and harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation, persist.
Two key interventions are being financed: the first, led by We World–GVC in Narok County, will focus on the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices. The second, carried out by IPSIA in Laikipia County, aims to strengthen women’s roles in land management, market access in agriculture, and land ownership.
Ambassador Natali highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based violence and inequality, noting that this initiative, which will reach approximately 25,000 people—over 50% of whom are women and girls—is further evidence of the alignment between Italian and Kenyan priorities towards women’s empowerment. He also emphasized that this initiative exemplifies Italy’s efforts to combat inequalities.
