The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto hosted dignitaries at the First Lady’s Pavilion at the Africa Climate Summit 2023 in Nairobi, to discuss the important role of education and skills development in building a sustainable future, as well as the role of women as we transition to clean energy.
In her welcoming remarks, during the “Big Opportunity, Education and Skills Development for a Climate Adapted and Green Economy” session, the First Lady recognized education as the pivotal cog in the ecosystem that will unlock the potential and opportunities in the green economy by enabling people to grasp the intricate interplay between ecosystems, climate change, and the imperative of sustainable development. The young people of Africa are at the forefront, skilled, knowledgeable, and getting ready for the continent’s green workforce.
Education, she argued, is the key to creating awareness and understanding among Africa’s youth about the intricate relationship between ecosystems, climate change, and sustainable development.
Mama Rachel Ruto also pointed out the ambitious African Union Green Recovery Action Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Greening of Education Initiative, emphasizing that these goals can only be achieved through the education and skills development of Africa’s youth.
She noted that Africa is poised for a sustainable and equitable green workforce, with the continent’s youth leading the way. Environmental stewardship, she argued, would instill a sense of responsibility for natural resources and lead to improved conservation efforts.
Mama Rachel Ruto encouraged global collaboration to address climate change and biodiversity loss and expressed her anticipation for the panelists’ engagements during the session.
Speaking during the “Role of Women in Energy Transition” session, Mama Rachel Ruto highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable and clean energy sources and the integral role women must play in this transition, including closing electricity access gaps and promoting clean cooking solutions, especially in rural and low-income areas.
The energy transition has strong interlinkages with other sectors like health, climate change, and gender, and the First Ladies encouraged greater investment, strengthened partnerships and collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to promote the changes that will lead to a more sustainable future.
Women play a crucial role in the energy transition towards a sustainable future across Africa. The First Lady highlighted the alarming statistics of deaths in Kenya due to household air pollution, with women and children being the most affected. The over-reliance on wood fuel for cooking and heating has also led to deforestation and increased health risks for women and children.
The First Lady stressed that women must be actively involved in designing policy interventions and solutions for the energy transition to ensure they are user-centric.
Mama Rachel Ruto concluded by underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting women’s diverse roles in advancing clean and sustainable energy sources on the continent. She called for strengthened partnerships and collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to achieve these goals.
Other dignitaries present during the sessions included Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone; Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi; Samira Ramadam Bawumina, spouse of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana; Dimpho Tlhoreho Masuku, spouse of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, spouse to the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.
The world is transitioning towards renewable energy sources but still, a gender gap can be witnessed in the sector. Despite their potential women bear to bring about change, they remain notably absent from various stages of the renewable energy value chain. Statistics show that the energy sector comprises a mere 24% of women. This underrepresentation, particularly in technical roles, demands our attention and concerted efforts to drive change.
Empowering women for an equitable presence in the renewable energy sector is no longer a choice but it’s a necessity. By leveraging the potential of private sector support, fostering grassroots empowerment, and bolstering government initiatives, we as a country can bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive and sustainable energy future. The path forward requires collective efforts, determination, and a shared vision to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy solutions, all while ensuring that women play a central and empowered role in shaping this transformative journey.