Overview

We were excited to have been a part of an in-person networking event in Nairobi for International Women's Day, in collaboration with our good friends at SHE Changes Climate, Shortlist Futures and Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). The vibrant event brought together exceptional women from across Kenya in diverse climate spaces, from advocates, educators, renewable energy specialists, innovators, and community members. Together, we discussed and exchanged ideas on the gender and climate nexus, further expounding on this year's International Women's Day theme: #InvestInWomen.

WILDLABS Women in Conservation Technology Panel Discussion

WILDLABS led a panel discussion on Women Leading Climate Action in Conservation Technology moderated by WILDLABS East Africa Coordinator, Esther Githinji with panelists from our Women in Conservation Technology Programme Kenya 2022 Alumni, including Christine Mwaniki, Consolata Gathoni and Sherril Masudi. The panel discussion explored the intersectionality of gender and conservation tech, the challenges women face in this emerging space, and the opportunities available for them. One resource we discussed in-depth was the annual Women in Conservation Technology Programme, which offers early career female conservationists training and professional development. Our WiCT Alumni shared their success journeys and the exciting work they are currently undertaking in acoustics, artificial intelligence and human-wildlife health and coexistence.

Key Takeaways

Overall, it was a great session for our East Africa Community and WiCT Alumni Kenya to connect with other women in climate and conservation spaces across the region to discuss relevant topics surrounding their careers and work. It was an equally important opportunity for our members to introduce conservation technology to Kenyan women in climate, creating a space for collaboration and partnership. Our community members were excited to reconnect and meet each other in-person and continue the conversations they have on our platform. Here are a few lessons we took away from the event:

• Empowering women in climate spaces is essential for inclusion, participation, local community engagement, and holistic climate solutions at all levels. 
• Creating women-focused climate spaces helps cultivate collaboration, collective action, and knowledge-sharing for women across different climate sectors.
• Female mentorship is crucial for early career women in climate spaces to help guide their journeys and inspire success.