Reflecting on the rights of the child in a Nairobi informal settlement

Ruth Mumbi reflects on the right to education, the right to play, the right to a safe environment and the right to housing in Mathare informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Do these rights exist? Are they realised? Are these rights a reality for the children living there?

Ruth Mumbi was born, raised and still lives in Mathare, Nairobi. She is a social justice activist, a community organiser and a strong defender of human/women's rights. She is the founding member and coordinator of Bunge la Wamama Mashinani ("grassroots women’s parliament"), a social movement of women in the informal settlement.

In 2012 Ruth co-ordinated a radio programme called Chanuka Dada that was an exchange between girls from Mathare, Mukuru and Kibera. In the programme the girls discussed the challenges they faced in their daily lives.

Ruth is currently a visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York, under the auspices of the Protective Fellowship Scheme for Human Rights Defenders at Risk.

Other events in the Breaking Chains, Gaining Rights celebration series:

Opinionate: CRC Rights and Responsibilities Workshop, Thu 13 November, 6 pm, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York (This event is for secondary school pupils; sign up through the participating schools.)

Children in Chains - An evening with activist film maker Jon Pullman, Fri 14 November, 7.30 pm at Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Rd (The event is free and open to all.)

Download the full Breaking Chains, Gaining Rights programme (PDF , 835kb).