The Strength and Resilience of Women in Kibera

Approximately 60% of Kenya's urban population lives in 498 informal settlements and slums. These settlements are mushrooming due to rapid urbanization and rural-to-urban migration, creating a demand for affordable housing in urban areas. One of the most prominent informal settlements in the country and arguably the largest in Africa - is Kibera. The settlement is located in the country’s capital city, Nairobi, and is home to approximately 250,000 residents with a residential density of 15,311 individuals per square kilometer. Residents of informal settlements in Kenya lack secure tenure, often excluding them from planning programs. This leaves them vulnerable to climate change, disasters, and economic shocks. In the complexities of 21st-century global challenges, from epidemics and climate crises to economic recession, how is this community adapting and responding?

Professor Samantha Winter from Columbia's School of Social Work has been researching and implementing programs on the intersection of the effects of climate and mental health challenges in Kenya's informal settlements, including Kibera and Mathare, for over 4 years. The programs primarily target women who are left most vulnerable to these shocks. The Nairobi Center held discussions with eight women health advocates (Cynthia, Elina, Everlyne, Jackie, Lilian, Melvin, Ruth, and Stephanie) from Kibera involved in Professor Winter’s intimate partner violence (IPV) intervention project. They narrated the experiences of women in Kibera who have endured violence, exhibited emotional resilience, depended on community support, and fostered economic stability.

The Silent Struggles of Women in Kibera

Life in Kibera comes with many challenges. Stephanie notably pointed out that poverty, poor housing, lack of clean water, insecurity, domestic violence, and limited healthcare exacerbate their daily lives. These challenges heavily weigh on the women, who experience them in folds from the burden of domestic violence to economic hardship. She has observed that women are responsible for caring for children, managing households, and ensuring the survival of their households despite having limited resources. 

Changing the Narrative

Despite these challenges, it is crucial for Stephanie to tell narratives highlighting these women’s resilience, growth, and empowerment. Only then, she believes, are we not only validating their experiences and giving them power by showcasing their positive experiences but also teaching their community’s children how to overcome their adversities. 

Beyond Religion: Bridging the Gap to Counseling

*Names not mentioned previously used in this article are fictional and intended for illustrative purposes only. 

Women in Kibera resort to multiple ways of coping with these stressors, with religion serving as a crucial anchor in their lives. Many women turn to religious leaders in their community for counseling and comfort. However, as our women’s health advocates have noted, these leaders often have limited professional counseling skills to provide adequate support to women. Professor Winter’s IPV intervention has strengthened this foundation by introducing professional counseling and offering these women additional support. Imani has endured multiple forms of violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and sexual coercion. However, Melvin observed a remarkable change in Imani during the program. Gradually, as she continued embracing various religious activities and began getting professional counseling support through the project, her emotional resilience flourished, and her focus shifted to her children, who have become her beacon of hope and give her the willingness to live. 

Social Support Driving Enterprising Ventures

Kibera’s women are determined entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. The project revealed to Cynthia that many women are enterprising but face significant barriers due to a lack of funds, support, and mentorship. From the little stipend the women received in the project, some launched small businesses, such as vegetable and food kiosks, that benefit their communities. Through these stipends, they strengthened their sisterhood and formed a savings group. Ruth shared that this platform has become invaluable, allowing the women not only to save and exchange business ideas but also to provide each other with emotional support, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among them.

Resilience Rooted in Community Bonds

In the face of inconsistent support, it's easy to feel despair. Yet, these community health advocates draw strength from their shared experiences, reminding each other of their purpose. Jackie finds inspiration in witnessing more women stepping into leadership roles at every level—from chiefs’ units to various development committees. This empowerment enriches their knowledge of rights and sparks courageous actions. For instance, Jackie helped a widow whose in-laws tried to seize her land after her husband’s passing. She empowered the widow with the knowledge gained through her involvement in the land and security committee, emphasizing the legal right of women to inherit land.

Engaging in the project uncovered hidden traumas for Evelyne, but little did she know it would also lead to healing within her and her community. Mzee Jabali’s family, plagued by normalized verbal abuse, had unwittingly taught their child harmful habits. Meanwhile, Mzee Baraka and his wife had endured eight years of silence, their wounds deep and unhealed. Faced with these daunting challenges, Evelyne felt a sense of despair. Yet, as the project unfolded and the counseling sessions continued, something miraculous happened: the families rekindled their love, igniting a spark of hope in Evelyne's heart.

Taraji’s husband left one morning and never returned. Though his absence offered relief from the sexual, physical, and verbal abuse she had long endured, the weight of raising her children alone soon settled in. Through her involvement in the project and their savings group, Taraji launched a small business, and the group provided a platform for her to express her emotional struggles. As she revealed the deep scar from a past incident of abuse, Lilian marveled at Taraji’s strength and was inspired by her resilience to carry on despite the hardships.

It takes a Village to Build a Community

Kibera’s story is evolving.  While these experiences reflect a portion of their resilience, more sustainable and impactful projects are necessary to tackle multi-sectoral challenges. Stephanie notes that several non-governmental and legal organizations offer support to their community that would have otherwise been provided by the government. The community has also created a Facebook page to share updates on issues and programs in Kibera. Although this is a significant step, their sustainability is jeopardized by limited financial resources. How, then, can you support this community? For a start, build projects with these community leaders, amplify their success stories across social media platforms, and advocate for policies that support sustainable community development.