The Enkang’ (village) model for gender equality is a sustainable village that will be strategically located in communities with deep patriarchal structures wherein the members will uphold gender equal practices as well as other sustainable practices. The model recognizes the complex nature of climate change and hence proposes this model as an all-rounded/holistic solution to build climate resilience as well as address issues of gender inequalities.
The model also recognizes the importance of “willingness and drive to change” and will hence only encompass community members that are willing to abolish harmful practices and embrace new, gender-equal & sustainable practices. These people will then serve as models and living examples to the other community members inspiring them to change their ways and consequently adapt sustainable practices.

“Envisioning Resilience”, an initiative by the IISD’s NAP Global Network in partnership with Lensational, with funding from Global Affairs Canada 🇨🇦. This project aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups—particularly women and youth—in Kajiado County, Kenya, by offering photography training as a tool for storytelling, advocacy, and influence in national adaptation planning (NAP) processes.

Kajiado County, home to many pastoralist communities, is among the regions most affected by climate change. By equipping community members with the skills to document their lived experiences and resilience strategies, Envisioning Resilience seeks to center local knowledge in climate policy conversations.

SASAL’s disaster response program focuses on supporting communities affected by emergencies, particularly floods, while strengthening their ability to cope with future shocks. Through community-based training, SASAL raises awareness on disaster risks, early warning signs, evacuation planning, and practical mitigation measures, enabling communities to respond more effectively during emergencies. The program also places strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, by providing essential support such as sanitary pads to schoolgirls to safeguard dignity and ensure uninterrupted education during and after disasters. In areas severely affected by flooding, SASAL delivers immediate relief assistance, including dry food supplies, mattresses, and bedding to households whose homes have been damaged, with priority given to women-led families. By integrating emergency relief with preparedness and resilience-building efforts, SASAL aims to reduce the long-term impacts of disasters and empower communities to recover and thrive.

At SASAL, we believe storytelling is a powerful tool for awareness, advocacy, and connection. The Living in the ASALs — Climate Stories project shines a spotlight on the real experiences of pastoralist communities living in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands as they face the impacts of climate change. Through personal narratives and multimedia—especially video stories—the project shares how climate shifts are affecting daily life, livelihoods, culture, and the environment, and how these communities adapt, innovate, and show resilience in the face of increasing climate pressures. A key focus is on elevating the voices of women, who are disproportionately affected by climate change, and clearly illustrating the links between gender equality and environmental resilience. By amplifying these community-led stories, we aim to inspire understanding, spark action, and strengthen support for pastoralists navigating climate challenges