From Exclusion to Empowerment : How Women with Disabilities Are Leading Korogocho’s Green Transition

"The headteacher looked at me and said I would scare the children away."

Those words changed the course of one woman's life.After completing her Diploma in Education, a young woman with albinism walked into a school hopeful about beginning her teaching career.Instead of being judged on her qualifications, she was subjected to discrimination based solely on her appearance.The degrading remark from the headteacher shattered her confidence and left her questioning whether any employer would ever give her a chance.Faced with exclusion, she turned to self-employment as a means of survival.

Sadly, her story is not unique.

For many women and girls with disabilities in Kenya, barriers to employment, leadership, and participation remain a daily reality. Yet their resilience and determination continue to drive change in their communities. This reality was at the heart of the launch of the Green Transition Initiative and Community Advocacy Activities in Korogocho, Nairobi, held on 11 June 2026 from a grant under the Meaningful Engagement - Transformative Action(META) Consortium, through our member Disabled Inclusion Node Association (DINA).

Why Korogocho?

Korogocho, one of Nairobi's largest informal settlements, faces a complex combination of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Residents grapple with poor waste management, inadequate sanitation, flooding, pollution and increasing climate-related risks. For women and girls with disabilities, these challenges are often amplified by exclusion from decision-making processes and limited access to economic opportunities.

Recognizing these challenges, the Green Transition Initiative seeks to create a more inclusive approach to climate action, environmental sustainability and community development by placing women and girls with disabilities at the centre of the conversation.

The project launch brought together women and girls with disabilities, youth groups, community leaders, environmental activists, and representatives from the police service.The gathering created a rare platform where community members could openly discuss the challenges they face and identify solutions collectively.

Among the participating youth groups were organizations already leading environmental conservation and waste management efforts within Korogocho. Their experiences demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when communities are empowered to take ownership of local development initiatives.

Climate Change Is Already Here

One of the most pressing concerns raised during the discussions was the impact of climate change.Participants recounted the devastating effects of recent flooding, which resulted in loss of property, displacement of families, disrupted livelihoods, and even loss of life.Women and girls with disabilities explained that climate-related disasters affect them disproportionately because mobility challenges often limit their ability to evacuate quickly or access emergency support.Their testimonies highlighted an important reality: climate action cannot be effective unless it is inclusive.

Waste management emerged as another critical issue. Residents acknowledged that poor waste disposal practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and flooding. Blocked drainage systems filled with plastic waste and household refuse often worsen the effects of heavy rains. Youth groups working in environmental conservation expressed frustration that many residents remain unwilling to pay for waste collection services, making community clean-up efforts difficult to sustain.

Yet amid these challenges, participants agreed that environmental responsibility is a shared duty.Sustainable change requires both improved infrastructure and shifts in community behaviour.

Excluded from Decisions, Included in Consequences

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the limited representation of women with disabilities in community leadership structures.The women noted that important decisions affecting development,environmental management and resource allocation are often made without their involvement.As a result, their needs and perspectives are frequently overlooked.The woman with albinism whose story opened the discussion reminded participants that exclusion goes beyond employment.It also extends to leadership and governance spaces where policies and programmes are designed.

The call from participants was clear: women and girls with disabilities must move from being beneficiaries of development initiatives to becoming active decision-makers and leaders.

Green Opportunities for Economic Empowerment

Despite the challenges, the discussions were also filled with optimism. Participants explored several opportunities within the growing green economy that could provide sustainable livelihoods while addressing environmental concerns. Among the ideas discussed were:
  • Black Soldier Fly technology for converting organic waste into useful products
  • Hydroponic farming and urban agriculture initiatives
  • Recycling and circular economy enterprises;
  • Tree nursery establishment and management; and
  • Community-led environmental restoration projects.

Youth groups encouraged women with disabilities to partner with them in implementing these initiatives, creating opportunities for income generation while contributing to environmental conservation.One inspiring example came from local youth groups that transformed an overgrown and insecure area near a river and bridge into a safe and attractive green public space.Although recent floods later destroyed the site, the initiative demonstrated the power of community-led environmental action.It also reinforced the need for continued investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and restoration efforts. Their experience serves as a reminder that local communities are not simply victims of environmental challenges,they are also key drivers of solutions.

The launch concluded with a strong commitment to action. Participants agreed on several priorities, including increasing the representation of women and girls with disabilities in decision-making spaces, strengthening waste management systems, promoting climate awareness, supporting green livelihood projects and partnerships between youth groups and women with I've transformed the report into a more engaging blog-style article with the case study of the woman with albinism as the opening narrative.

A Green Transition That Leaves No One Behind


The story of the woman with albinism is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not charity,it is a matter of rights, dignity and opportunity.As Korogocho embarks on its green transition journey, the voices of women and girls with disabilities must remain at the forefront.Their experiences reveal the intersections between climate change, poverty, discrimination, and exclusion.More importantly, their leadership offers pathways toward more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

A truly green future is one where no one is left behind.

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