At my current placement, several initiatives stood out for their positive impact on women in Kenya. Mazingira Institute’s Gender, Urban Agriculture and Food Systems (GUAFS) Training equips young people in Nairobi County with skills in urban agriculture and small-space farming. Though open to all, the program emphasizes women’s participation and gender sensitivity. GUAFS has inspired other initiatives, including trainings at Waithaka Vocational Training Centre, the Nairobi and Environs Food Security, Agriculture and Livestock Forum (NEFSALF) Youth group, and the NEFSALF Women’s group—each empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods. These programs have enhanced food security, income generation, and women’s autonomy, while strengthening their access to land.  

The women’s group, composed of GUAFS graduates, has been especially influential. Members collaborate to share experiences and work toward their goal of collectively purchasing land. During an interview for one of Mazingira’s documentary case studies, the groups secretary, Esther Maina, described how her training in peanut butter processing helped her earn income during the pandemic. Others shared how they applied innovative farming techniques, such as multi-story gardens, to maximize limited space. One recent GUAFS trainee also described how the program empowered her to raise pigs despite living with a disability. Many of these women, particularly youth from informal settlements, have since developed steady sources of income through farming.  

Also working with Habitat International Coalition (HIC) I have seen that they too advocate for women’s access to land and housing. HIC recognizes housing as a fundamental right and acknowledges the barriers marginalized populations—especially women—face in their daily lives. Its international advocacy has advanced housing policy and gender equity efforts. Through initiatives like the Palestine Teach-in Series, HIC has amplified women’s testimonies from conflict zones, while the Women’s Spaces Project has supported partners in advancing gender-focused initiatives in their countries.  

Working with HIC has deepened my understanding of how women are disproportionately affected by issues such as climate change and urbanization, and why they must remain central in the struggle for land rights. It has also shown me that gender equality in housing and human settlements begins with access to basic rights, such as education. Strengthening gender equality across these areas is crucial to achieving equitable housing and land rights.  

By Shazara Khan - Rooftops Canada Young Professional

(From left to right) Diana Wachira of HIC, Paula Sevilla Núñez of IIED, Dr. Eva Dick of MIisereor and Shazara Khan of the Young Professionals Program at UN-Habitat’s OEWG-H meeting.