Dot Diaries

The death toll from the 2024 Gen Z protests might be much higher than reported, as the government carried out an extensive coverup of the police killings. Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the June 25 massacre—a day we will rally in the streets to demand justice. #Justice4OurMashujaa #SiriNiNumber

In her opening remarks,@nellymunyasia the Executive Director, @rhnkorg highlighted the conference’s evolution into a key platform where governments, civil society and communities converge to set priorities and center youth voices. She stressed that while many actors hold power, governments must lead in strengthening systems and driving the SRHR agenda. “This conference is urgent,” she emphasized. “Adolescents' and young people’s lives are at stake. We need urgent measures and urgent strategies to address their issues.” Closing her remarks, she reaffirmed the purpose of the conference: to foster collaboration, drive action and ensure that young people can make informed choices and live empowered lives. #RHNKPanAfricanConference #RHNKConference2025

Women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be displaced, lose access to healthcare, and suffer violence during environmental crises. Their limited role in decision-making further excludes them from climate responses that affect their health and rights.

Access to sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, maternal care, HIV treatment, and menstrual hygiene, is critical during emergencies. Denial or disruption of these services violates basic rights and undermines climate resilience. #Nimechanuka

People forced to flee their homes due to environmental disasters often live in overcrowded and insecure shelters. In such settings, the risk of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and exploitation, increases, particularly for adolescent girls and LGBTQI+ individuals.

When abortion is unsafe, people often ask: “Why didn’t she just go to a hospital?” But here’s the truth: • 42% of women feared contraception due to myths about side effects • Only 34% were using any contraception before pregnancy #RaiseYourVoice

• Stigma, cost, and fear of arrest keep many from seeking safe care Unsafe choices are often the only ones available. #RaiseYourVoice

Drought and poor sanitation affect girls' and women’s ability to manage their periods safely and hygienically. In some cases, girls miss school or are forced to use unsafe materials, leading to infections and stigma that damage their health and self-esteem. #Nimechanuka

These practices constitute severe violations of human rights, exposing individuals to increased risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and enduring psychological trauma, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability.

These can include the early marriage of daughters as a means of economic relief or girls resorting to transactional sex for sustenance.

Climate-related shocks frequently lead to the loss of livelihoods, pushing vulnerable families into desperate situations. In such circumstances, harmful coping mechanisms may emerge as families struggle to survive.

and other essential SRHR services. Robust, climate-resilient SRHR systems are essential for maintaining access to care, preventing avoidable deaths and adverse health outcomes, even in the face of climate shocks. #Nimechanuka

This entails developing healthcare facilities that can withstand climate-related hazards, establishing mobile clinics to reach underserved populations during crises, and ensuring that healthcare workers are adequately trained in emergency obstetric care, management of SGBV, ...

Building climate resilience within SRHR systems is not merely a short-term necessity but a crucial investment in the health and well-being of future generations.

Integrating SRHR perspectives into climate strategies strengthens their overall effectiveness, ensures greater sustainability, and promotes equity by addressing the differentiated impacts of climate change. #Nimechanuka

Climate adaptation plans that don’t consider the gendered and reproductive impacts of climate change fail to protect those most vulnerable.

Investing in SRHR within the context of climate change is not an ancillary concern; it is a core component of building resilient and equitable societies. #Nimechanuka

Climate adaptation funds, humanitarian relief budgets, and development programs must explicitly and adequately incorporate funding for SRHR interventions.

Despite the growing recognition of the climate crisis and the increasing flow of climate finance, a significant gap persists in the allocation of these funds towards addressing the specific SRHR impacts of climate change. This disparity must be urgently rectified.

‼️🌍Check out our conversation with Doris, a human rights defender (HRD) from Kenya🇰🇪, highlighting the importance of human rights and HRDs work on this #InternationalHumanRightsDefendersDay