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RHNK 2025: Youth Power, Gender Justice, and Unapologetic Leadership

50 Comments / Leadership /

Mombasa, Kenya – The 2025 Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK) Conference erupted with energy, uniting young advocates, policymakers, and experts under the bold theme: Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) in a World of Emerging Threats and Opportunities. The session attracted hundreds of participants from different organizations in Kenya and some East African countries. Speaking during the opening sessions UNFPA Kenya’s Pilar de la Corte Molina said, “There is an urgent need to prioritize adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights in a world grappling with climate change, online dangers, and deep-rooted inequalities.” Accordingly, Rosebell Barbara from the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) reiterated the need for unpacking the dangers involved in online engagements. Barbara said,” The time for young people’s views on sexual reproductive health to be taken into consideration has come.”“Young people make -up almost 70 percent of Kenya’s population and it is crucial that they are engaged in the decision-making processes on health,” added Barbara. On the second day of the conference Rosebell Barbara made a compelling presentation on Climate Change, Socio-Economic Stressors, and the Escalation of Femicide in Kenya. She underscored the interlinkages of climate, health, and technologically facilitated violence and femicide. The conference also featured insightful discussions that explored the transformative role technology had played in advancing Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR), along with the critical importance of youth-led advocacy and social accountability. What stood out is the unabated passion for countering anti-rights movements that have threatened hard-won gains in gender equality and health. Through these powerful dialogues, the conference reaffirmed the significance of centering youth voices in shaping health and rights agendas across Africa and beyond. The 8th Pan-African Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Scientific Conference was so timely in Kenya. It discussed critical issues in Kenya and beyond. It also weighed burden on SRHR issues  that warrant attention from government decision-makers. It also reiterated the need for courageous leadership, ethical and safe use of technology, and placing young people at the center of decision-making processes. It focused on building systems that truly listened to and responded to the relieved realities of adolescents and youth.

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Emmanuel Lekishon Leteipa: A Legacy of Vision, Leadership, and Impact

9 Comments / Leadership /

In the corridors of climate justice advocacy, agricultural sustainability, and community development, the name Emmanuel Lekishon Leteipa will forever resonate as a beacon of hope, resilience, and transformative leadership. His untimely departure has left a void, but his legacy remains a powerful testament to the change one individual can ignite.   A Visionary Ahead of His Time Emmanuel was not just a leader; he was a force of nature undaunted, passionate, and deeply committed to the causes that defined his life. As a youthful climate justice advocate, he championed youth inclusion in climate change, gender justice, and equitable health policies, long before these became mainstream priorities. He understood that the voices of young people were not just important but necessary in shaping a sustainable future. His advocacy was never performative; it was rooted in action, engagement, and policy-driven solutions.   A Leader Who Built Foundations for Change With a strong background in financial management and organizational leadership, Emmanuel was instrumental in steering key decisions on finance, budgeting, and fundraising. He had an unwavering commitment to ensuring financial integrity and sustainability, understanding that without strong financial structures, even the most noble visions could falter.   As a co-founder of the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) alongside Imali Ngusale, Emmanuel laid the groundwork for an institution that is set to outlive him and continue shaping policies, empowering communities, and advocating for justice. He was not only a leader but a mentor, guiding new staff and fostering a culture of excellence and dedication within ACHCGA.   A Champion for Sustainable Livelihoods Emmanuel’s work was deeply committed to seeing communities thrive in a world that often marginalizes them. He believed that sustainability was not just an environmental concern but a socioeconomic imperative. Whether it was through advocating for climate-resilient agriculture, promoting equitable access to healthcare, or ensuring gender justice in policymaking, Emmanuel’s vision always centered around the people most affected by these challenges.   More Than a Leader—A Friend, A Father, A Legacy Beyond his professional achievements, Emmanuel was a warm, compassionate, and deeply principled individual. He was a father, a friend, and a mentor to many. His kindness, wisdom, and unrelenting belief in the power of collective action will be sorely missed but never forgotten. In remembering Emmanuel, we are reminded that true leadership is not about titles but about impact. His work, his vision, and his unyielding commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in power, Emmanuel. Your legacy lives on   If you would like to contribute to his send-off please send your support to * +254798944654.*Dominic Lekishon Nampaso.  

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COP29: A Missed Opportunity for Climate Justice

3 Comments / Climate News /

  The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, unfolded as a harsh reminder of the global North’s persistent neglect of the Global South’s demands for climate equity and justice. While vulnerable communities from the global south face the devastating consequences of climate inaction, the architects of the crisis developed nations continue to prioritize profits over people. At COP29, the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) joined the Women and Gender Constituency and global advocates in demanding urgent action to cap global warming at 1.5°C, unlock meaningful climate finance for loss and damage, and ensure feminist climate justice. Instead, we encountered dangerous distractions, empty promises, and a betrayal of trust.   Small Wins Amidst Broken Promises Carbon Markets: Progress was made in operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, particularly mechanisms to improve transparency and accessibility. However, loopholes remain, threatening to undermine the equitable distribution of carbon credits. Climate Finance: A new climate finance deal was announced, aiming for $300 billion annually by 2035. While a step forward the inclusion of private financing sparked concerns about accountability and the marginalization of vulnerable communities.   Disappointments That Can’t Be Ignored Loss and Damage Fund: Rule 16 outcomes fell short of expectations, with major emitters resisting accountability for their historical emissions. Fossil Fuel Phase-out: Despite dire warnings from scientists, weak language dominated the discussions on fossil fuel phase-outs, leaving the door open for continued reliance on dirty energy. Climate Finance Shortfall: The promised $100 billion annual commitment remains unfulfilled, compounding the Global South’s struggle to address loss and damage. UNEP and IPCC reports underline the catastrophic consequences of this inaction, yet no significant steps were taken.   A Bleak Future Without Bold Action The lack of urgency and ambition at COP29 casts a shadow over our collective future. Climate finance continues to fall short, the fossil fuel industry remains unchecked, and the voices of marginalized communities are drowned out by the rhetoric of green capitalism. But hope is not lost. ACHCGA remains steadfast in pushing for climate and gender justice. At COP29, we witnessed the undeniable power of youth, women, and indigenous communities coming together to demand meaningful action.   What’s Next? Building a Just Future COP29 may have betrayed our trust, but it also reignited our resolve. We commit to advocating for a future where climate justice is inseparable from gender justice. 💪🌿 Click here https://x.com/ACHCGJA_Africa/status/1860584558590116066 to read our social media posts in one thread #ClimateJustice ⚖️ #COP29 #FeministClimateJustice  

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