Women in Nairobi’s informal settlements are sounding the alarm over systemic failures in disaster response, particularly as the city braces for El Niño rains. Their experiences, amplified during a September 29, 2026, gender and climate justice summit in Nairobi, reveal critical gaps in access to resources, shelter, and climate information. Teresia, a physically disabled mother from Mathare, was stranded in her flooded home for three days in March 2026, underscoring the vulnerability of marginalized groups during extreme weather events. The summit, organized by Xolani Women of Hope, brought together women from Nairobi County, government agencies, and climate advocates to address these challenges.
The 2024 floods exposed stark disparities in aid distribution, with Ritah Anindo, a community organizer, noting that men often controlled resource allocation. “Vulnerable girls had to navigate male intermediaries for assistance,” she said, raising concerns about whether disaster responses adequately address women’s distinct needs. Dorcas Nyamanya, founder of Xolani Women of Hope, urged counties to adopt gender-responsive climate budgeting, emphasizing the need to account for women with disabilities and those reliant on informal livelihoods. “A woman selling green groceries cannot sustain her family if she is displaced without support,” she explained, advocating for measures to protect both safety and economic stability.
Nairobi City County’s Director for Gender and Inclusivity, Jane Gichure, highlighted the county’s preparations, including drainage system maintenance and mapping flood-prone areas. “Communities must be at the center of these efforts,” she said, noting plans to relocate residents in riparian zones to higher ground. However, she stressed the importance of women’s participation in budget-making, urging them to engage in public consultations and monitor implementation. “Your voice shapes priorities,” she said, emphasizing accountability in climate resilience planning.
Xolani Women of Hope has pioneered community engagement through radio discussions and football tournaments, aiming to bridge the gap between climate discourse and grassroots action. Meanwhile, the Nairobi County government has intensified collaboration with civil society to ensure inclusive disaster preparedness. Yet, advocates argue that without systemic changes—such as accessible information channels and targeted livelihood support—the most vulnerable will continue to bear the brunt of climate shocks.
The crisis underscores a broader need for policies that recognize women’s roles in climate resilience. As El Niño looms, the call for equitable disaster responses grows louder, with activists demanding that governments prioritize the needs of those historically excluded from decision-making processes.
El Niño Preparedness Fails to Meet Women's Needs in Nairobi's Informal Settlements
The 2024 floods exposed stark disparities in aid distribution, with Ritah Anindo, a community organizer, noting that men often controlled resource allocation. “Vulnerable girls had to navigate male intermediaries for assistance,” she said, raising concerns about whether disaster responses adequately address women’s distinct needs. Dorcas Nyamanya, founder of Xolani Women of Hope, urged counties to adopt gender-responsive climate budgeting, emphasizing the need to account for women with disabilities and those reliant on informal livelihoods. “A woman selling green groceries cannot sustain her family if she is displaced without support,” she explained, advocating for measures to protect both safety and economic stability.
Nairobi City County’s Director for Gender and Inclusivity, Jane Gichure, highlighted the county’s preparations, including drainage system maintenance and mapping flood-prone areas. “Communities must be at the center of these efforts,” she said, noting plans to relocate residents in riparian zones to higher ground. However, she stressed the importance of women’s participation in budget-making, urging them to engage in public consultations and monitor implementation. “Your voice shapes priorities,” she said, emphasizing accountability in climate resilience planning.
Xolani Women of Hope has pioneered community engagement through radio discussions and football tournaments, aiming to bridge the gap between climate discourse and grassroots action. Meanwhile, the Nairobi County government has intensified collaboration with civil society to ensure inclusive disaster preparedness. Yet, advocates argue that without systemic changes—such as accessible information channels and targeted livelihood support—the most vulnerable will continue to bear the brunt of climate shocks.
The crisis underscores a broader need for policies that recognize women’s roles in climate resilience. As El Niño looms, the call for equitable disaster responses grows louder, with activists demanding that governments prioritize the needs of those historically excluded from decision-making processes.