Soroptimists have always been dedicated to addressing the issues related to the environment.

The first-ever Soroptimist project was to ‘Save the Redwoods’, which was launched by the first Soroptimist club formed in 1921 in Alameda County, California made up of over 80 business and professional women. The great ancient Redwood trees were being felled. Soroptimists lobbied the legislature, took on powerful lumber companies and won public support, resulting in a major portion of the forest being set aside as protected land which still exists today.

As Soroptimist International celebrates its 100-year anniversary in October 2021, many clubs all over the world are planting trees not only to honour this project, but also to mark and recognise that protecting the environment is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

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SI United Nations Representative in Nairobi, Mary Muia reports on Soroptimist activity in Kibera, marking this year’s World Environment Day. 

“World Environment Day takes place every year on 5 June. It is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.

This year’s observance of World Environment Day will be under the theme of ‘ecosystem restoration’ and focus on resetting our relation with nature.’ It will also mark the formal launch of the UN Decade of Ecosystem and Restoration 2021-2030.

The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet – and its people. The UN Decade of Ecosystem and Restoration is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security water supply and livelihoods.

On the 23 April, Soroptimist International Club of Nairobi Central (SINC) members, along with the club President Elect, Dr Adeline Vilembwa (Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon-Kenyatta National Hospital, Honorary Lecturer University of Nairobi, School of Dental Science), went on a tree planting campaign. A thousand food and flower trees were planted in a record time of one hour.

The successful greening Kibera tree planting was graced by the area Chief, Madam Asia Suleiman Ramadhan, women groups, youth and other opinion leaders.  The women and youth groups were glad to adopt and care for the sections of the trees planted as their sources of green vegetables and fruits. The leaders and community members agreed to name this newly greened section of Kibera’s Makina road reserve, “The Soroptimist Friendship Food Forest Park”.

The fun-filled tree planting spree was made possible through a partnership with a passionate tree planting champion Dr Alfred Odhiambo (Senior Lecturer University of Nairobi School of Medicine Department of Radiology/ Neuroradiology). In his words, Dr Odhiambo explained how he got to learn about revolutionary teachings of one Elaine Ingraham on natural farming: “Trees can be planted anywhere, whether sandy, clay or on rocky soils”.

What began as two doctor colleagues’ discussion about food growing in Kibera slums, soon became an intense campaign by Soroptimists and friends’ network.

“2020 was a year of reckoning, facing multiple crises, including a global pandemic and the continued crises of climate, nature and pollution,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “In 2021, we must take deliberate steps to move from crisis to healing: and in so doing, we must recognise that the restoration of nature is imperative to the survival of our planet and the human race.”

“Pakistan has shown real leadership in efforts to restore the country’s forests; we are grateful for their commitment to host World Environment Day 2021 and lead the charge for all nations to restore our damaged ecosystems through the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,” she added.

To achieve restoration at the required scale, incentives and financial investments particularly to women and girls must be made in changing the way lands and oceans are exploited, in research and education, and in inspiring a movement of people, businesses and governments through celebrating success stories. I urge everyone out there to wear gardening boots today and go plant trees in every space you can find near your compound.”

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Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) have also launched the #PlantTrees for a Brilliant Future campaign to mark the centenary year. SIGBI Soroptimists have been busy planting trees all over the region, and you can check out some of stories by clicking HERE.

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Click on the microphone to listen to Mary Muia on our SI Voices podcast, discussing the importance of climate action in the episode, “Women Creating a Greener, Sustainable Future”.

(All photos courtesy of Mary Muia)

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