In my community, we’re not only focusing on lessons in the classroom; we’re aiming to transform our communities into hubs of climate knowledge and action. This means engaging young people to understand our unique challenges and empowering them to take the lead in solving them. For me, that’s what climate-smart education should truly look like.

Gender and Climate Education: An Intersectional Approach

Climate education must also recognise the unique realities and struggles of women and girls. For many young women in the Global South, climate change is deeply personal- we feel its effects in every part of our lives. Yet, mainstream climate education often doesn’t tell our stories. This is why I’m advocating for gender-sensitive, intersectional climate education that addresses the links  between climate, education, gender, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

When we talk about climate resilience, we can’t ignore how gender and social inequalities make certain groups more vulnerable. Our education systems must recognize these disparities if they are to be effective.  I believe making climate education intersectional will give people in my community, especially young women, a stronger foundation for creating meaning, lasting change. For it to be transformative it should be intersectional.

Breaking Barriers for Young Women from the Global South

For young women in Kenya, accessing decision making spaces like COP29 is a big challenge. Many face systemic barriers that limit full participation in these conversations. I’m grateful to be here, but I know there are so many young women back home with incredible insights who can’t access opportunities like this. At COP29, I’ll be advocate for real inclusion of young people, especially women from the Global South, beyond mere tokenism. We need spaces that not only include us but also value our perspectives, respect our input and let us shape the decisions that affect our lives.

My Vision for COP29

COP29 is an opportunity to amplify voices from the Global South, share our stories, and stress the urgent need for climate education that is accessible and relevant to our communities. I’ll be speaking on panels, moderating discussions, and sharing insights I have gained from my grassroots work with Elimu Care.

My hope is that COP29 will be more than just conversations that it will lead to real, impactful actions that make education a powerful tool for climate resilience. We need systems that don’t just inform but equip people with the knowledge and skills to build a future that’s not only sustainable but inclusive.

As I prepare for this journey, I draw inspiration from the youth and women in my community who are already making a difference every day. I’m excited to bring their energy to COP29, where I know that together, we can work towards a resilient future for all.

Farida Ally 

I’m a Kenyan Education Activist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and hold a Diploma in Social Work and Community Development. I am the proud founder of Elimu Care, a grassroots youth-led community organization where we champion educational development by addressing community issues of gender, with a particular focus on the rights of girls and women. Our work emphasizes the critical intersection of gender, climate, and education, pushing for climate education and grassroots voices in policy.

I serve as a GPE Youth Leader for Kenya, Youth Advisory Board Member at the United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner and Education Above All, a Global Youth Ambassador at Their World Organization, and a member of the Education Transformers Network by UNGEI, which reflects my passion for advocating for equitable access to quality education for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

I’ve delivered impactful speeches at significant global platforms such as the African Union, United Nations, the European Humanitarian Forum, and the 1st plenary of the 2023 Women Deliver Conference.

X: @faridahally2
Instagram: @faridahally_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farida-ally-b134301aa/