Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls: A High-level Panel discussion
The University of Nairobi, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, convened a high-level policy dialogue ahead of International Womens' Day 2026. Held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Chandaria Auditorium, the panel discussion brought together leaders from Government, International Organizations, Civil Society, Academia and the Private Sector to examine how rights-based migration governance can better protect and empower women and girls. Organized under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action, For ALL Women and Girls,” the forum focused on migrant women and girls across every stage of migration, from origin and transit to destination and return.
For many women, migration offers the promise of opportunity. It can open doors to education, employment and family reunification. Yet it can also expose women and girls to serious risks, including gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation. Addressing these realities requires more than policy statements. It calls for practical systems that ensure protection, justice and empowerment.
Speaking during the forum, the Chief of Mission for Kenya at the International Organization for Migration (IoM), Ms. Dimanche Sharon, emphasized the gendered nature of migration. “As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, we must recognize that migration is a gendered journey. For many women in Kenya and across the continent, migration is a search for opportunity, yet it often comes with disproportionate risks. More women and girls are moving than ever before, often facing disproportionate risks of GBV and trafficking. Our mission at UN Migration is clear. We must move beyond survival to help women thrive. ”
The Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration, Celestine Farce, called for translating commitments into action. “Rights on paper must become rights in practice. IOM joins the call for Rights. Justice. Action. We must dismantle the legal and social barriers that leave women and girls vulnerable. Migration must be a path to empowerment, not exploitation. ”
Representing the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Catherine, speaking on behalf of Anne Wang’ombe, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to protecting migrant women and girls. “Justice for women is not just a policy goal but a fundamental right. At the University of Nairobi today, I reaffirmed our commitment to Rights. Justice. Action. Safe migration and employment for all women and girls in Kenya.”
The role of universities in shaping informed dialogue on global challenges was also highlighted by the representative of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Leonida Kerubo, noted that the discussion came at a critical moment.
“The loss of livelihoods due to climate change, geopolitical tensions, growing inequalities and poverty, among other global challenges, make migration an important issue for discussion. ”
She noted that women make up to about half of all migrants globally. Many move across borders to pursue education, employment and family opportunities, while others migrate due to poverty, insecurity or the growing impacts of climate change.
Adding to the discussion, the Country Representative to Kenya at UN Women, H.E. Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, emphasized that real progress requires commitment beyond policy adoption. “Action goes beyond the enactment of policies and ensuring safe pathways for migrant women and girls. It calls for commitment to ensure justice in employment, justice for those whose rights have been violated, and the promotion of ethical labour mobility.”
The panel discussion reflected the importance of cooperation across sectors. The financial sector was represented by Richard Murithi, Head of Remittance at KCB Group, whose work focuses on diaspora remittances and financial inclusion. The aviation sector was represented by Adelaide Amaro, Manager for Quality Control and Integrity at Kenya Airways, who highlighted the role of safe and responsible travel systems.
Government representation came from Anne Mruche of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, whose work focuses on labour mobility, diaspora engagement and safe migration policies. The health dimension of migration was addressed by Dr. Kamene Kimenye, Director General of the National Public Health Institute, who emphasized the need for migrants to access health services while safeguarding public health. Civil society perspectives were represented by Racheal Mwakazi of the Baobab Economic Empowerment Programme, highlighting the importance of economic empowerment and community support for migrant women.
Together, these perspectives demonstrated that protecting migrant women and girls cannot rest with a single institution. Financial systems, transport networks, government policy, public health institutions and civil society must work together to ensure migration is safe, fair and empowering.
By bringing together diverse voices from policy, academia, international organizations and lived experience, the University of Nairobi and the International Organization for Migration reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that migration works for women and girls. In doing so, the dialogue emphasized that rights must be protected, justice must be accessible and action must lead to meaningful change.
