Climate and Care Field Visit to Mathare Slums

Exploring Climate, Care, and Community Resilience: A Dynamic Field Visit by the Climate & Care Initiative Team to Mathare Slums, Nairobi

Date: March 2026  |  Location: Youth and Urbanism Offices, Mathare Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

On a bright early morning, the Climate & Care Initiative (CCI) team stepped into the vibrant heart of Mathare Slums for what would become one of the most eye-opening and joyful field visits. Representing a powerful partnership between Avina Foundation and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), the visiting delegation included:

• Mirana Andriarisoa – Avina Foundation
• Sonia Phalatse – Wits University
• Thokozile Madonko – Wits University

Their mission? To gather real-life evidence on how climate change is quietly — but dramatically — intensifying the unpaid care burden shouldered by girls and young women in urban informal settlements. The CCI project is not just about research; it's about turning lived realities into undeniable proof that can push governments and duty-bearers into action.

Morning: A Walking Classroom in the Slums

None of the visitors had ever explored Mathare's narrow alleys before, so we kicked off with an unforgettable guided tour. We visited passionate youth groups already rolling out grassroots climate solutions — urban farming, waste-to-energy projects, and community greening drives.

What made the walk truly special was the honest conversation that unfolded along the way:

• How are young women involved in these local climate actions?
• Do these initiatives actually lighten the care load (fetching water, caring for the sick during heatwaves, or looking after flood-displaced relatives)?
• Or, in some cases, do they unintentionally add to it?

Hearing community members, youth leaders, and the CCI team exchange perspectives — while constantly linking what we see on the ground to global stories — turned the dusty paths into a living classroom. Laughter, surprise, and "aha!" moments flowed freely.

Midday Break: Building Bonds Over Snacks and Stories

After the walk, we gathered under the shade for a relaxed lunch break. Snacks were shared, jokes flew across borders (Kenya vs. South Africa vs. Madagascar), and team members swapped stories about life, climate struggles, and the small wins that keep them going. It was the perfect moment to turn colleagues into friends — and to remind ourselves why this work matters so deeply.

Afternoon: Youth & Urbanism in the Spotlight

Back in the office, the energy stayed high as we dove into an interactive presentation on Youth and Urbanism's journey since the CCI grant began in mid-2025. We walked the guests through:

• Our original concept and the community work that laid the foundation
• Key activities delivered so far
• Hard-won lessons and stubborn challenges
• Bold plans for the coming months

The session was wonderfully lively — the CCI team fired thoughtful questions, and our youth facilitators responded with passion and clarity. Real dialogue, not just PowerPoint.

Panel 1: "Men as Allies – Redistributing Care"

Moderated by June, this panel brought in Calvin to unpack an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle: male involvement. Calvin shared powerful stories of how Youth and Urbanism has been rallying young men to recognise care work as real work — and a shared responsibility. The discussion went deeper:

• How has the community's view of feminism evolved?
• What cultural barriers still stand in the way?
• How do we shift mindsets so that care stops being "women's work" and becomes everyone's work?

The room was electric. Young men in the audience nodded, asked questions, and left visibly inspired to become part of the solution.

Panel 2: "From Policy Gaps to People Power"

When Calvin stepped down, Edwin took the stage to examine the legal and institutional landscape. Together we unpacked:

• What Kenya's current policies actually say about care work and climate change
• The glaring gaps that leave girls and young women exposed
• Practical next steps: writing effective petitions, engaging county assemblies, drafting private members' bills, and building powerful alliances

The conversation was candid and hopeful. We explored whether today's political climate is opening doors for meaningful policy change — and how youth-led advocacy can push those doors even wider.

Closing: Reflections and Next Steps

The day wrapped up with an open question-and-answer session, heartfelt final remarks from June and our guests, and a collective sense of excitement. Everyone left with new ideas, stronger connections, and fresh motivation.

This wasn't just another field visit — it was a living demonstration that when global researchers, local youth, and community voices sit in the same room (and walk the same dusty streets), real change begins. Climate change and care work are no longer abstract topics; they are urgent, local, and solvable — together.

Key Takeaway

We cannot wait for the next chapter of this powerful collaboration.

"Evidence from the ground. Action from the heart."