First Lady Rachel Ruto has called for renewed commitment to empowering African women and children to achieve their full potential, urging leaders to translate policy commitments into measurable, people-centered impact.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 30th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Mrs. Ruto noted that women across the continent continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of climate change and conflict.
“In Kenya, we are clear: investing in women and girls is not an expense; it is the smartest investment a nation can make. Protect a girl, and you stabilize a family. Educate a girl, and you strengthen an economy. Empower a woman, and you transform a nation,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized the need for OAFLAD to move beyond declarations and focus on tangible outcomes that safeguard rights, strengthen systems, and advance justice. She noted that this commitment aligns with the Assembly’s theme: Building Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures.
While highlighting Kenya’s targeted interventions, Mrs. Ruto acknowledged the scale of the challenge. She cited data indicating that one in six adolescent girls aged 15–19 has begun childbearing. Thematic briefs by UNFPA Kenya further show that, as of December 1, 2025, young women account for 78 percent of new HIV infections among those aged 15–24.
“Behind these numbers are interrupted dreams and deferred futures,” she said.
On climate change, Mrs. Ruto observed that although Kenya lies along the equatorial belt and receives adequate rainfall in some regions, 80 percent of the country is classified as arid and semi-arid land, making it highly vulnerable to food insecurity and climate shocks.
She underscored the importance of clean energy solutions in protecting both livelihoods and the environment. “By reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal, we protect women’s health, reduce deforestation, and lower carbon emissions,” she stated.
Through the Joyful Women Organization, thousands of women have been trained as clean cooking ambassadors across the country, transforming climate action into grassroots economic opportunity.
To tackle what she described as the “Triple Threat” of teenage pregnancy, HIV, and sexual and gender-based violence, Mrs. Ruto said that in partnership with OAFLAD, Kenya launched the Triple Threat Programme in August 2025 — a coordinated, evidence-based response to these interconnected challenges. The initiative has since been elevated to a national priority, mobilizing leadership across government, civil society, and the private sector, in line with Kenya’s commitment to ending the Triple Threat by 2027.
Additionally, through the Voice of Children initiative under the Office of the First Lady, thousands of children are gaining access to food, educational materials, and safe spaces. Beyond safeguarding, the programme actively advocates against violence and amplifies children’s voices, empowering them to participate in decisions that shape their lives.
Mrs. Ruto was joined at the Assembly by First Ladies from Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia, Botswana, Burundi, Senegal, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, as well as the First Gentleman of Namibia.
