Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already impacting livelihoods, health, and wellbeing in Mombasa, especially for vulnerable groups like young mothers. Rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme heat disproportionately affect informal settlements where most young mothers live, destroying homes and disrupting access to schools, health facilities, and markets. According to the Kenya National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2018–2022), coastal communities like Mombasa are among the most at risk of climate-induced displacement and loss of livelihoods.
For young mothers, the effects are deeply gendered. Evidence shows that women and girls bear the brunt of climate impacts due to their roles in caregiving, household management, and informal work. A UN Women (2022) report found that women in Kenya are 14 times more likely to be affected during climate-related disasters, with increased burdens of unpaid care, water scarcity, and food insecurity. Climate shocks also exacerbate poverty, making it harder for young mothers to provide for their children.
For MYM, prioritizing Climate Change & Resilience is about linking environmental sustainability with social justice. Through training in climate-smart livelihoods (e.g., urban farming, recycling enterprises), promoting green skills, and building awareness on disaster preparedness, MYM empowers young mothers to adapt and thrive in the face of climate risks. By embedding climate resilience into its programs, MYM also contributes to Kenya’s broader commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This thematic area reflects MYM’s conviction that young mothers can be powerful agents of environmental stewardship, leading grassroots solutions that build resilience for both their families and communities.
Broad Objective: Fostering environmental sustainability and climate resilience among young mothers.
Strategic Objective 5.1: Equip young mothers with skills in climate-smart agriculture, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices among young mothers.
2. Greater participation of young mothers in community-based environmental conservation programs.
3. Improved food security through sustainable farming initiatives.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of young mothers trained in climate-smart agriculture and sustainability.
2. Percentage increase in young mothers adopting sustainable farming techniques.
3. Number of tree-growing and environmental conservation activities conducted.
4. Percentage improvement in household food security among young mothers.
Activities:
1. Conduct training sessions on climate-smart farming techniques.
2. Organize tree-growing drives and community clean-up initiatives.
3. Provide agricultural inputs (e.g., drought-resistant seeds) for sustainable farming.
4. Establish community gardens for young mothers to promote food security.
5. Develop an eco-entrepreneurship program focusing on green businesses.
Strategic Objective 5.2: Promote community-driven climate adaptation and resilience programs to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Enhanced community awareness and action on climate change mitigation.
2. Strengthened resilience of young mothers against climate-related economic shocks.
3. More young mothers engaged in tree-planting, waste management, and eco-friendly businesses.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of community climate adaptation projects implemented.
2. Percentage of young mothers engaged in climate resilience activities.
3. Number of awareness campaigns conducted on climate change and sustainability.
4. Reduction in the impact of climate-related shocks on young mothers' livelihoods.
Activities:
1. Conduct climate change awareness forums.
2. Develop a climate action plan that integrates young mothers into community adaptation strategies.
3. Implement rainwater harvesting and water conservation initiatives.
4. Promote renewable energy solutions for households.
5. Establish community-led disaster preparedness and response programs.
Strategic Objective 1.2: Promote gender equality by advocating for policies that protect the rights of young mothers and girls in education and gender.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Strengthened legal frameworks supporting education access for young mothers.
2. Increased public awareness of gender equality and the rights of young mothers.
3. More young mothers actively participating in decision-making on gender-related policies.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of policy recommendations proposed and adopted at the local/national level.
2. Number of awareness campaigns conducted on gender equality and young mothers' rights.
3. Percentage increase in reported cases of gender discrimination in education/community addressed.
4. Number of young mothers participating in gender equality advocacy initiatives.
Pathways of Change
Climate Change & Resilience
If young mothers are empowered with climate-smart skills, green enterprises, and awareness of environmental sustainability, then they will adapt to climate shocks, create resilient livelihoods, and contribute to community-led environmental stewardship, reducing vulnerability and advancing local climate justice.
Our SDGs Focus
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