For decades, Muungano wa Wanavijiji has championed the cause of women in informal settlements, recognizing that when a woman’s needs are met, the entire community thrives. In line with this commitment, on October 22, 2024, at Muungano House, SDI Kenya and Muungano wa Wanavijiji officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Women in Real Estate (WIRE), a powerful alliance set to transform the landscape of housing and urban development for women.
WIRE, the leading women-led association in the built environment dedicated to advancing achievements in the built industry. It fosters business growth, leadership empowerment, industry research, and career outreach. This partnership is a timely boost to our housing agenda, as we work towards innovative, community-driven housing models for informal settlements.
What This Partnership Means for Women in Informal Settlements
Through this MoU, Muungano, SDI Kenya, and WIRE have agreed to take bold, collective steps to address the challenges that limit women's full participation in housing and urban development. Our collaboration will focus on:
1. Bridging the Knowledge Gap – Mapping and engaging researchers and policymakers to identify key barriers and solutions to women’s inclusion in housing and urban planning.
2. Advocacy & Awareness – Leading community awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and policy lobbying to amplify women’s voices in housing and urban development.
3. Co-Designing Affordable Housing – Working hand-in-hand with community members to develop practical, sustainable, and cost-effective housing solutions for informal settlements.
4. Training on Green & Sustainable Housing – Educating communities on climate-resilient and eco-friendly building practices to improve housing quality.
5. Championing the ‘Roof Over Our Heads’ Campaign Supporting this global movement adapted by SDI Kenya, which aims to deliver low-carbon, affordable, and resilient homes in informal the ‘Roof Over Our Heads’ Campaign – Supporting this global movement adapted by SDI Kenya, which aims to deliver low-carbon, affordable, and resilient homes in informal settlements.
6. Connecting Women to Opportunities – Leveraging WIRE’s network to link women with technical training and career growth prospects in the housing and real estate sectors.
7. Mobilizing Resources & Joint Fundraising – Collaborating on funding proposals and resource mobilization for women-led housing initiatives.
8. Shared Advocacy & Policy Development – Developing policies and laws that encourage and support women’s participation in urban development and housing.
9. Collaborative Networking & Events – Creating shared platforms for engagement, learning, and experience-sharing between community members, SDI, and WIRE.
10. Exploring Revenue-Generating Opportunities – Where possible, co-developing joint consultancy services to secure funding and resources aligned with the MoU’s objectives.
A Future Built by Women, for Communities
This partnership marks the beginning of a transformative journey, one where women's leadership in housing and urban development is not just acknowledged but actively nurtured and elevated. By aligning our strengths, Muungano wa Wanavijiji, SDI Kenya, and WIRE are setting the stage for lasting, community-driven change in informal settlements.
Together, we look forward to creating real impact, one home, one community, and one empowered woman at a time.
In her interview, Nicera Wanjiru shares the impactful stories of two young residents from Kibera informal settlement, Vivian Vushele and Charles Gicura, as they reflect on how the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed their lives. Both faced significant challenges: Vivian experienced her parents' separation, while Charles had to pivot from a career in hospitality due to the industry's collapse. Their narratives highlight the emotional and economic upheaval that many young people endured during this unprecedented time.
In this piece, Jacob Omondi, Jackline Waithaka, and Jane Wairutu discuss the profound impact of COVID-19 on youth in informal settlements like Mathare, Nairobi. The pandemic has exacerbated job losses and financial instability, particularly affecting those in the informal economic sector, where many young people rely on daily earnings from their businesses.
In Loitoktok, Kajiado County, a women’s group is transforming lives through resilience and innovation. With support from the Next Level Grant Facility under Voices for Just Climate Action, they’ve expanded urban farming and beekeeping, proving the power of collective action in climate adaptation and economic empowerment.
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