Events

Past Event

Resilience in the Face of Upheaval: Mathare’s Women Speak out on Government Demolitions

July 30, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Online - Columbia Global Centers | Nairobi

Throughout April and May of this year, Nairobi experienced extreme rainfall and flash flooding, resulting in the tragic deaths of 228 people. To prevent future flood-related fatalities among residents living along the riverside, the Kenyan government initiated the demolition of homes in informal settlements. Notices of the planned demolitions were as short as two hours, leading to many residents returning to find their homes and possessions reduced to rubble. Many residents were left homeless, without livelihoods, while still mourning the loss of loved ones due to the floods. 

To illuminate this issue and amplify the voices of those affected, we will host a panel discussion on July 30th, 2024 |  4 PM EAT, featuring community leaders from Mathare, one of the settlements most severely impacted by the floods and demolitions. These community leaders will share their experiences, discuss the immense challenges posed by the floods and subsequent demolitions, and highlight the community's reaction and resilience strategies.

Please join us to learn about crisis response and collective action from grassroots community champions in informal settlements.