Women from 23 communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) have issued a raft of demands to the government they say will help address challenges marginalised communities face in the wake of climate change threats and technological advancement.

Among issues raised on the commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples were delays in resolution to cases of historical injustices, displacement and harm caused by extractive and mega infrastructure projects such as LAPSSET and British Army training operations.

“On access to justice, we need fast-tracking, implementation and resolution of historical land injustices provided on issues of compensation of human rights conflicts victims harm caused by extractive and mega infrastructure projects such as LAPSSET and British Army training operations,’’ said Samburu Women Trust Director Jane Meliwas, and the convener of the workshop.

The day, which is observed on August 9, was set aside by the United Nations to celebrate indigenous peoples and their knowledge. It provides a platform for the communities to jointly advocate for inclusivity in all spheres of leadership, right from the grassroots to the county and national government levels. Prior to the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, women’s voices in patriarchal societies were suppressed with little representation in political leadership and women were denied the right to own property but they are now slowly claiming their rightful spaces in the society.

“We want to enforce affirmative action, including policies to guarantee representation for indigenous women, youth and women with disabilities in both national and county government,” said Meliwas.

Under the umbrella of a decade-old organisation – the indigenous Women Council, about 300 women grassroots leaders converged for a three-day workshop at a Nanyuki hotel, Laikipia County, as part of celebration of indigenous people’s day.

The resolutions read out on their last day called for preservation of their rich cultural heritage such as native languages through integration of indigenous knowledge into the school curricula, which should also factor in lessons that raise awareness on some deep-rooted harmful cultural practices.

Indigenous Women Council that brings together pastoralists, hunter-gatherers and fisher-folk communities, are also pushing for the establishment and adequate staff at gender desks at police stations countrywide to make justice easily accessible to survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence from remote areas.

National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the co-convener of the conference together with Samburu Women Trust called for enactment of law to safeguard exploitation of heritage through protection of data, cultural values and ancestral lands.

Head of Marginalised Affairs Communities in Office of the President Josephat Lowoi announced that a new policy was being considered to support growth of underdeveloped areas that were left out by the Session Number 10 of 1969.

At the same time, they celebrated 10-year milestone achievements which included land ownership and occupation of leadership positions in the government which gave them opportunities to amplify their voices and support others at the grassroots level.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Muturi Mwangi