New book advocates for women's rights and resource protection in Lamu

There is a sigh of relief and hope for women in Lamu County as the campaign to advocate for their rights, protection, and general empowerment intensifies through book publishing.

Beyond the usual public awareness campaigns and other global gender initiatives aimed at empowering women, Lamu has adopted a novel approach by launching a Biocultural Community Protocol for Natural Resource Rights Protection (BCP) book on Tuesday this week to support the same cause.

The BCP is a specialised book published specifically to advocate for the rights of Lamu’s women, promoting sustainable resource management that will benefit the county’s female population.

The book also aims to ensure that women’s voices in the region are considered in the county’s development and conservation efforts.

Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) Executive Officer, Raya Famau, during the BCP book launch in Lamu.(Farhiya Hussein)

It is worth noting that Lamu’s population is predominantly Muslim, of Bajuni origin, with male chauvinism presenting a decades-old challenge.

Such attitudes have led to women being denied crucial rights, including recognition in matters such as land ownership and inheritance, among others.

The book is significant, as it is expected to address such challenges and promote gender equity and recognition among community members.

The BCP book, prepared over the past two years, is a project by the Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA) and funded by the Siemenpuu Foundation.

The Siemenpuu Foundation consistently promotes the rights of women, local communities, and indigenous peoples.

Participants during the BCP book launch in Lamu. (Farhiya Hussein)

Speaking at the BCP book launch in Lamu Old Town, LAWA Chief Executive Officer Raya Famau explained that the Alliance first conducted a mapping of all the natural resources in Lamu County to identify those that significantly impact women’s lives.

This was intended to understand how these resources influence women’s economic activities, health, and social well-being.

“By gathering this data and publishing the BCP book, we, as LAWA, seek to empower our women, advocate for their rights, and promote sustainable resource management that benefits the female population. We also want to ensure that, through reading this book, the voices of women here are acknowledged, especially regarding issues surrounding the county’s development and conservation efforts,” said Raya.

She further noted that the BCP book will strengthen and protect traditional knowledge, particularly among women, as it serves as a comprehensive document that raises awareness, maps resources, and facilitates the assertion of rights over communally managed lands, marine areas, resources, and traditional knowledge systems.

LAWA Secretary Khadija Shekuwe described the BCP book as an essential tool that sets out clear terms and conditions for governments, private sectors, and research entities to engage with communities and access their local resources.

“We ensured inclusiveness across all regions of Lamu County, visiting all ten wards to collect data before drafting the BCP copy. We visited Mkomani, Shela, Hindi, Mkunumbi, Bahari, Witu, Hongwe, Basuba, Faza, and Kiunga. So, every corner of this county is represented in this document. No one was left out,” said Khadija.

The BCP book launched in Lamu on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, advocating for women’s rights in resource ownership and recognition. (Farhiya Hussein)

Lamu Bajuni elder and human rights defender Mohamed Athman commended LAWA and the Siemenpuu Foundation for publishing a book that enlightens readers on the significance of preserving and protecting natural heritage, including biodiversity, ecosystems, and geological structures, as well as the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, for the benefit of all genders.

“Indeed, persistent challenges stemming from patriarchal norms exist in Lamu. Many women don’t fully engage or participate in educational initiatives due to societal structures limiting their involvement. However, with a tool like the BCP book, they can read it themselves and learn about their rights,” said Mohamed.

The BCP book will also serve as a shield against harmful projects affecting women in Lamu County.