Empowering ASAL Women: The Youth Café’s Impact at Bridging Voices for ASAL Women

On November 24, 2023, a landmark event titled “Bridging Voices for ASAL Women” was hosted in Nairobi by Women against Terrorism (WAT) under Epuka Ugaidi, in partnership with the Embassy of Slovakia. The Youth Café was honored to participate in this high-level dialogue, which aimed to amplify the voices of women from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions and address their unique challenges.

The event served as a dynamic platform for discussing the critical intersections of governance, peace, security, climate resilience, and gender-based violence, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by women in ASAL regions. It was also a pivotal moment in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. By transitioning the conversation from the grassroots level to the capital city, Nairobi, the event aimed to bridge the gap between local realities and national policy discussions.

The Kiana Podcast Series; a key component of the Women Against Terrorism program funded by the Embassy of Slovakia, set the stage for this dialogue. “Kiana” meaning voices in the Rendile language, reflects the diverse dialects of Kenya’s Northeastern Region. The podcast series has been instrumental in highlighting governance challenges and addressing institutional discrimination and climate adversities faced by women in Garissa County.

Notable speakers at the event included Katarina Leligdonova, Ambassador of Slovakia to Kenya; Harriette Chiggai, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights; and Charlene Ruto, Youth Champion and Climate Action Advocate. Their contributions provided valuable insights into the multifaceted issues impacting ASAL women.

Dr. Vladislava Gubalova from GLOBSEC discussed the transformative potential of technology for ASAL women, emphasizing the need for accessible digital literacy education. Her advocacy for technology as a crucial enabler resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the importance of integrating digital tools into development efforts.

The Youth Café actively engaged in the discussions, providing perspectives on how technology can address the unique challenges faced by ASAL women. Recommendations included tailored digital literacy initiatives and infrastructure improvements, aligning with The Youth Café’s mission to bridge the digital gender gap and promote equitable access to technology.

The event’s success was notable, with a full house in Nairobi and over a million online views across social media platforms and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). This widespread engagement underscored the importance of the dialogue in amplifying ASAL women’s voices and fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.

As we celebrate the success of Bridging Voices for ASAL Women; The Youth Café remains committed to advancing this momentum. By integrating governance, security, and technology, we strive to support and empower ASAL women, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed for a more equitable and resilient future.

This event demonstrated the power of collective action and the significance of creating platforms that elevate marginalized voices. The Youth Café is proud to have contributed to this important dialogue and is dedicated to continuing efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable development in ASAL regions.