Women and Housing Co-operatives in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential of housing co-operatives to provide adequate housing for women, focusing on the context of Nairobi, Kenya. The limitations of the current approaches to housing provision in Kenya are discussed, along with their gendered implications. A review of the potential benefits which housing co-operatives provide for women is conducted. As part of this examination, a multi-scalar analysis of the housing co-operative sector in Kenya illuminates the role of gender mainstreaming policies and their role in addressing discrimination and inequality in the housing sector in Kenya. A case study of Rooftops Canada’s gender mainstreaming work in Kenya is used to provide examples of gender mainstreaming work being undertaken in the housing co-operative sector. This case study also provides insight into the role of international donors in gender equality work in Kenya’s housing co-operative sector.