Providing economic empowerment to smallholders and vulnerable women
Judy’s love for the environment was instilled in her by her father. She is a community builder with rich experience spanning years in the public sector and with NGOs working on economic empowerment, food security and climate action. As the Chairlady of Association of Women in Agriculture, Kenya (AWAK), she empowers smallholder women in Agriculture and the vulnerable mothers living in urban slums; to become informed decision makers and key industry players.
“If we have to continue enjoying the benefits of nature and feed ourselves, our families and the world, then we must protect mother nature. Failure to that, the reverse is true.”
AWAK is a strong advocate for climate justice and a climate change champion through various strategies. It engages in training on good agricultural practices and climate resilience through programmes such as the Agricultural land restoration and soil health program, Resilient Recovery, and Clean Energy.
The women that AWAK is working with have benefited from their restoration related activities through increased crop yields by adopting good agriculture practices which have translated into increased income for them.
Judy sits on multiple committees geared towards agriculture and climate action including the UN Women/FAO Steering committee. In 2021, she won The Zuri Award, Agriculture Category in recognition of her outstanding performance in community development.
“Sustainable economic empowerment for women must be cognizant of the environment”