Faith Leaders Urged to Champion Gender and Climate Justice in New Global Report Launch
Faith-based organizations (FBOs) have been called upon to amplify their voices in promoting gender-responsive climate action, as a new global research report examining the role of faith actors in implementing the Gender Action Plan (GAP) under the Paris Agreement which was officially launched.
Speaking during the launch event, Mary Obara, Program Manager at The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Kenya-Somalia, emphasized the moral and spiritual responsibility faith actors carry in advancing both environmental and gender justice.
“Friends, colleagues, climate justice crusaders.I am indeed honoured to stand before you today, not as a privileged expert, but as a simple crusader contributing to God’s design for planet Earth and its inhabitants, especially women.”She said.
Obara noted that faith-based institutions have long advocated for gender justice, grounded in spiritual teachings that call for care of creation.
“We need wisdom in our environmental stewardship,” she said, adding that LWF believes FBOs are crucial in the successful implementation of the Gender Action Plan.
The report, commissioned by LWF Geneva with support from Bread for the World, presents a comparative analysis of GAP implementation across 20 countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It highlights the unique role faith-based actors play in bridging local voices with global climate advocacy and peacebuilding.
Locally, LWF is active in initiatives such as the solarization of schools and community water projects in Garissa County, and outreach efforts by grassroots climate champions delivering climate justice messagiObara further revealed that the report includes practical policy recommendations to reinforce national climate strategies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). A proposed Climate Index tool will enable stakeholders to monitor GAP progress effectively.
The event also served as a platform to share findings, insights, and explore ways of integrating gender perspectives into climate policy from a faith-based lens.
“We are here because we believe prioritizing marginalized voices particularly women and girls is not just policy; it is a divine obligation,” Obara stated.
She acknowledged partners such as the Media Council of Kenya, Act Kenya Forum, and the Act Alliance Secretariat for organizing the event, and reminded attendees that their role in climate justice is a service to humanity and to God.
