The International Rural Women’s Day National Convening (8–9 October 2025) at Pride Inn Hotel, Nairobi, unites women leaders, policymakers, civil society, legislators, development partners, and government officials from across Kenya.
Under the theme “Advancing Women’s Leadership, Voice and Agency in Land Governance,” the two-day forum is dedicated to strengthening women’s land rights,a crucial foundation for gender equality, food security, and climate justice in Kenya.
The convening’s agenda centers on evaluating progress made within Kenya’s policy and legal frameworks regarding women’s land rights, while providing grassroots women a vital platform to share their lived experiences and innovative local solutions. Discussions are also exploring the critical links between land rights, resilient food systems, climate action, and inclusive governance. Participants are working to build synergies with national, regional, and global movements to amplify advocacy for women’s land rights.
A notable presence at the forum is GGROOTS Kenya, which has mobilized 15 grassroots women leaders from counties including Kakamega, Kilifi, Murang’a, Busia, Nairobi, Kitui, Kiambu, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tana River, and Baringo. Their participation ensures that community realities and women’s voices are directly informing national-level strategies and policy recommendations.
Despite women comprising 89% of Kenya’s agricultural labor force, they account for only 2% of registered landowners,a stark disparity that continues to limit women’s full participation in agriculture and economic development. This imbalance remains a key barrier to achieving true gender equality and sustainable progress in rural communities.
Throughout the discussions, participants have rallied behind a powerful declaration: “Without women’s land rights, there is no gender equality, no food security, and no climate justice.”
The convening marks a significant step forward in amplifying rural women’s leadership and advocating for inclusive, fair, and sustainable land governance systems. As the forum continues, it is clear that when women have secure land rights, entire communities are empowered to thrive.
