Kenya’s Second Lady Dr. Joyce Kithure has called for a renewed, science-led approach to empowering women as central actors in Africa’s climate resilience and food security agenda.
Speaking during the inaugural First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Women’s Empowerment Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Fairmont Norfolk, Dr. Kithure said women must be positioned not just as beneficiaries, but as architects of sustainable solutions.
FLAIR, a high-impact initiative of the University of Nairobi, brings together First Ladies, academia, industry, innovators, policymakers and youth.
Dr. Kithure described it not merely as a programme but as “a movement, a high-level, multi-sectoral platform designed to inspire, empower, and foster innovation among Africa’s First Ladies and visionary women.”
She said the event’s theme, “From Influence to Impact: Advancing Resilience and Economic Inclusion,” mirrors the urgent need to equip women with tools to tackle real-world challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation and climate change. “The gala theme is not an abstract. It is a blueprint,” she said.
Dr. Kithure, a scientist and educator, stressed that Africa’s climate and food crises require evidence-based solutions driven by women who understand the realities on the ground.
She noted that women farmers, innovators and grassroots leaders already form the backbone of Africa’s food systems and environmental stewardship.
“As a scientist and educator, I have seen firsthand how transformative empowerment can be,” she said. “When a girl is given access to education, mentorship, resources, and opportunity, she does not just change her story, she changes the story of everyone around her.”
She underscored that innovation, mentorship and capacity-building are essential to supporting women working in agriculture, technology and environmental management.
According to her, giving women scientific tools and technological resources would enable communities to build resilience against climate shocks, enhance food production and strengthen local economies.
Dr. Kithure also highlighted the role of collaboration in addressing climate and food security challenges.
“Progress is possible when we work together as Government, academia, private sector, civil society, and communities,” she said, adding that women’s leadership would be key to meeting Africa’s commitments under Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Gala honoured women and organisations championing economic inclusion, innovation and community resilience.
Dr. Kithure praised the awardees for their groundbreaking work, saying, “Tonight, as we honour the remarkable individuals and organisations who will receive awards, we celebrate them not only for what they have achieved, but for the doors they have opened for others.”
She urged continued investment in women-led innovations to advance climate adaptation and food security solutions.
Empowering women, she emphasized, “is not an event, it is a continuous commitment,” calling for sustained policy advocacy, mentorship and resource allocation.
To the women in attendance, she offered a powerful reminder: “Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You are powerful, and your contributions are shaping the Africa we want.”
Dr. Kithure closed by urging African leaders to support the next generation of women changemakers, saying, “When they succeed, we all succeed.”
