Pastoralist Leadership Summit Paves the Way for Tech, Gender, and Youth Empowerment

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has underscored the importance of addressing gender, youth, and emerging social issues, particularly in the context of technology, at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit held in Wajir from December 8 to 10, 2024. The summit, a critical platform for policy engagement, brought together both national and county leadership to focus on the pressing needs of pastoralist communities across Kenya

The discussions, led by experts and stakeholders, explored the intersection of technology, gender equality, and youth empowerment in the pastoralist context.

With the rise of digital innovations and their transformative potential, the summit aimed to highlight how these advances can be leveraged to improve the livelihoods of pastoralist communities, especially women and youth.

“We are at a crossroads where technology presents both challenges and opportunities,” said Goretty Osur from NGEC. “It is essential that we ensure inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of these advancements reach every member of society, especially those in remote and marginalized areas.”

The summit explored how emerging technologies, from mobile applications to digital financial platforms, can offer pastoralist communities better access to markets, healthcare, and education.

However, the discussions also highlighted significant barriers, including digital illiteracy and unequal access to resources, which continue to hinder the full participation of women and youth in the digital age.

The NGEC’s participation in the summit reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering gender equality and promoting inclusive growth. By facilitating conversations around the roles of women and youth in shaping the future of pastoralist communities, the commission is contributing to national efforts to address social inequalities and empower all sectors of society. In closing, the summit called for increased collaboration between national and county governments, local leaders, and private sector players to implement policies that harness the potential of technology while also tackling the challenges posed by gender and youth disparities.

However, the discussions also highlighted significant barriers, including digital illiteracy and unequal access to resources, which continue to hinder the full participation of women and youth in the digital age. As Kenya looks to the future, the need for inclusive and sustainable policies that prioritise the pastoralist communities remains urgent—ensuring that no one is left behind in the wake of technological progress.

The NGEC’s participation in the summit reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering gender equality and promoting inclusive growth. By facilitating conversations around the roles of women and youth in shaping the future of pastoralist communities, the commission is contributing to national efforts to address social inequalities and empower all sectors of society.

In closing, the summit called for increased collaboration between national and county governments, local leaders, and private sector players to implement policies that harness the potential of technology while also tackling the challenges posed by gender and youth disparities. However, the discussions also highlighted significant barriers, including digital illiteracy and unequal access to resources, which continue to hinder the full participation of women and youth in the digital age.

As Kenya looks to the future, the need for inclusive and sustainable policies that prioritise the pastoralist communities remains urgent—ensuring that no one is left behind in the wake of technological progress.

Participants pose for a group photo at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit held in Wajir