WHAT?

KawiSafi, Dalberg Design, Africa Enterprise Climate Fund (AECF), and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) partnered to identify and champion innovations that bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and gender equality. The Gender4Climate Africa Challenge Pitch Competition (2023), strategically positioned alongside the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, emerged as a catalyst for transformative solutions at this intersection.​

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WHY?

The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more apparent, especially in African regions, where the impacts are both immediate and severe.

As we witness the escalating effects of climate change, the role of innovative, sustainable solutions has become increasingly important. Women, who are often the most affected by climate change, hold key insights and strategies for resilience and adaptation. Their involvement and leadership in climate action can drive significant progress towards not only mitigating climate impacts, but also achieving broader developmental goals.
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OUTCOME

The challenge competition sought to identify organisations that promote the critical role that women have to play in the fight against climate change in East Africa. It brought together a diverse range of enterprises from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, creating a powerful platform for showcasing innovative approaches to climate change that encompass a gender-inclusive framework. Although we only focused this series in East Africa, we also received applications from other regions in Africa, which highlights the potential to reach additional markets and expand the scope.

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The event concluded with Baridi securing a 25,000 USD grant for its pioneering approach, Aqua Clara Kenya (ACK) receiving 15,000 USD, and Zuhura Solutions being awarded 10,000 USD. These financial awards, along with tailored technical and legal assistance, symbolize a deep investment in the transformative power of these organizations, acting as a catalyst for scaling innovative solutions that promise significant progress in the gender and climate landscape in Africa.

DURATION

3 Months, 2023 

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LOCATION

Kenya​

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MY ROLE

Project Lead

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TEAM

Aika Matemu

Abidah Ferej

Keethana Ramesh