African Pastoralist Women Gathering (APWG – IYRP 2026)held in Kampala,Uganda 15-21 March 2026.
We, as the Horn of Africa Organization for Indigenous Peoples (HOA-OIP), are honored to have participated in the African Pastoralist Women Gathering held in Kampala from 15 to 21 March 2026, under the theme “Voices from the Rangelands: African Pastoralist Women Rising for Land Rights, Climate Justice, Equity, and Peace.”
The gathering was officially opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo, whose remarks set a strong and forward-looking tone. It was formally closed by the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Anita Among, highlighting high-level commitment to advancing the pastoralist agenda.
This landmark convening brought together over 200 pastoralist and indigenous women leaders from more than five African countries, including Benin, cameroon,Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan, reflecting a growing continental movement for solidarity and collective action.
As HOA-OIP, we extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers and funders of this important gathering, including GIZ, Reconcile, International Land Coalition, Nia Tero, Ateker Cultural Center, Impact Kenya and other partners whose support made this convening possible.
We particularly celebrate the signing of the African Pastoralist Women Charter, a landmark outcome of this gathering that provides a strategic roadmap toward engagement with the UNCCD. The Charter represents a unified voice of pastoralist women across Africa and sets out clear priorities on land rights, climate justice, gender equality, and sustainable rangeland management.
This milestone underscores the critical role of pastoralist women not only as custodians of indigenous knowledge but also as key actors in addressing land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity conservation across the continent. It further strengthens pathways for African pastoralist women to influence global policy processes and advocate for inclusive and equitable solutions.
Pastoralism remains a vital socio-economic system across countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. It sustains millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to regional economies, yet continues to face challenges including marginalization, insecure land tenure, and climate shocks.
We reaffirm the central role of pastoralist women in livestock production, food security, and community resilience. Ensuring their full participation in decision-making and securing their land rights is essential for sustainable development and peace.
As indigenous peoples of the Horn of Africa, we call for strengthened regional cooperation that reflects shared cultures, mobility systems, and ecological realities beyond colonial borders. We urge governments, regional institutions, and partners to:
- Recognize and protect communal land and resource rights
- Promote gender-responsive pastoral policies and legal frameworks
- Support climate adaptation strategies rooted in indigenous knowledge
- Strengthen cross-border mobility and peacebuilding initiatives
- Amplify platforms and networks led by pastoralist women and youth
The African Pastoralist Women Gathering has reinforced our collective commitment to solidarity and action. As Horn of Africa organization for indigenous people,we stand united with pastoralist women across Africa in advancing land rights, climate justice, equity, and peace.
Together, our voices from the rangelands will continue to rise stronger, more coordinated, and impactful at both continental and global levels.
