In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 under the global theme “Accelerated Action,” the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Nairobi, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Regional Office, Kenya and Somalia missions – convened a high-level panel discussion titled “Climate Change and Migration – A Gendered Perspective.”
This important event spotlighted the intersection of climate change, migration, and gender, emphasizing the urgency of inclusive and gender-responsive climate and migration policies. The dialogue provided a platform for experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives to share perspectives, strategies, and research findings on the growing challenge of climate-induced human mobility.
Objectives of the Panel Discussion
The panel discussion focused on two primary goals:
- Raising awareness of the gender-specific impacts of climate-induced migration and the need for targeted, inclusive interventions.
- Fostering dialogue among key stakeholders to promote the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies in climate action and migration frameworks.
The discussion deepened understanding of the Gender–Climate–Mobility Nexus and identified gender-specific challenges in climate-induced displacement. It generated policy recommendations for gender-responsive climate and migration frameworks. The event aimed to promote inclusive climate action through strengthened cross-sector collaboration. Ultimately, it sought to ensure equitable and resilient responses to climate-related mobility.
Session Format
The event featured an interactive panel discussion moderated by Dr. Shazia Chaudhry (Lecturer, Department of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi). The distinguished panel explored practical solutions, challenges, and case studies relevant to climate migration through a gender lens. This was followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists and share insights. The session concluded with networking opportunities to encourage collaboration between academia, international organizations, and policymakers.
Panelists
- Frantz Celestin, Regional Director, IOM East, Horn and Southern Africa
- Sharon Dimanche, IOM Chief of Mission, Kenya
- Wanja Maina, Executive Director, The Hummingbird Grassroots Centre
By facilitating an inclusive, solution-oriented conversation, this panel discussion advanced the global agenda for gender equity in climate resilience and migration policy. It reinforced the commitment to leave no one behind and to translate the 2025 International Women’s Day theme into action through gender-responsive climate governance.
