Kenya, Italian cooperation to protect women and the environment

(ANSA) - NAIROBI, 14 AGO - A signing ceremony was held today in Nairobi for the "Women's Empowerment and Environment and Health Support in Kenya" initiative, funded by the Italian Cooperation and implemented by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Ipsia and We World-Gvc.
    The event was held in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, the Head of the regional office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Nairobi, Giovanni Grandi, representatives of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, and representatives of Narok and Laikipia counties.
    The initiative aims to contribute to the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination by improving access to economic and natural resources in arid and semi-arid areas. These territories, often inhabited by communities dedicated to agro-pastoral activities, are characterised by high rates of gender-based violence, particularly within communities where patriarchal social structures are deeply rooted and where harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation, persist.
    Two interventions have been financed: the first, implemented by We World-Gvc in Narok County, will focus on preventing and responding to gender-based violence (Gbv) and harmful traditional practices; the second, implemented by Ipsia in Laikipia County, intends to strengthen the role of women in land management, access to the agricultural market and land management.
    Precisely on the theme of gender violence and inequality between men and women, Ambassador Natali recalled in his speech how this initiative, which will reach a total of about 25,000 people, more than 50 per cent of whom are women and girls, is further evidence of the alignment of the priorities of Italy and Kenya towards the emancipation of women and an example of the efforts of the Italian system in combating inequality.