Gender Forum - Thank you for the rain: Climate change, food security and gender

There is a story being told. It is the story of Kisilu Musya, his wife, Christina Musya and their nine children. Thank you for the rain is a film about what it’s like being on the front-line of climate change. And, it is a film about the fight for climate justice. 

Climate change is having a major gendered impact on food security. Millions of Kenyans suffering from chronic undernourishment are small-scale farmers, fishers and pastoralists. These women and men are the most affected by higher temperatures, changing weather patterns or weather-related disasters.  Without concerted action to build resilience, many of the poorest and most vulnerable people, will continue to struggle to generate enough food and income to feed themselves and their families.

Research has argued that climate change is not gender neutral. Although both women and men are affected, the experience of their changing climate is different due to gender roles and gendered expectations. Despite disproportionate challenges that women may face, they are key agents in changing agriculture and food systems to be able to adapt to the adverse affects of climate change.

In recognition of World Food Day 2016, the hbs Gender Forum and Banyak Films bring you Thank you for the rain to inspire a discussion about our changing climate and how the roles of men and women, in food and agriculture, must change too.

Preview the film trailer here: http://kisilu.banyak.co.uk/

Key discussion points:

• What is the gendered impact of climate change on Kenyans?  
• How should the roles of women and men change in food and agriculture, in order to adapt to a changing climate?
• What are some of the ways that we can address the problem of climate change?
• In what ways do social justice films have an impact that effects change?

Invited Speakers:

• Christina Musya, stars in Thank you for the rain
• Clarice Wambua, Natural Justice, Legal Researcher
• Fredrick Njau,  Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Programme Coordinator Sustainable Development
• Queen Katembu, FAO Head of Unit, Gender and Human Rights
• Peter Chege, Founder, Hydroponics Kenya

Moderator: Layla Liebetrau, Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Project Lead The Human Right to Food Initiative.

Format of Discussion:

A panel discussion contextualises issues to the audience. This is infused with public dialogue and Q&A where the audience engages with the panel and forum.

About the Foundation

Being part of the Green political movement that has developed worldwide as a response to the traditional politics of socialism, liberalism, and conservatism, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung is a Green Political Foundation, affiliated to the German political party “Alliance ’90 / The Greens”. The regional office for East and Horn of Africa is a people-centric green think-tank, based in Nairobi since 2001. In our work, we facilitate open dialogue, undertake studies and forge partnerships with and among communities in East & Horn of Africa along the core themes of Gender, Environment, Democracy and International Dialogue.

About the Gender Forum

The Gender Forum is a monthly public dialogue convened by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung since 2001, encouraging dialogue on pertinent national social issues with a gendered lens. It brings together scholars, law- makers and implementers, civil activists, government institutions, students and the general public, aiming at sharing knowledge and inspiring gendered analysis of policy and programmes. 

Join the conversation online via #GenderForum.

HBS on Social: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Website