Women and Nature: Building a Greener Future Together

“A Woman’s Hands Shape the Earth”

In many African homes, wisdom is passed down through stories—tales of resilience, strength, and deep connections with nature. My grandmother had such a story. She lived in the Mount Kenya ecosystem in a place called Kimahuri, Every morning, as she walked to deliver milk from her cows to the dairy in the center, a leopard would silently walk behind her. It never harmed her, never strayed too far—just a silent, steady companion through the morning mist. When she finished, it would escort her home, disappearing back into the forest.

To some, this may sound like a myth, but to my grandmother, it was simply life—a mutual understanding between woman and nature, a coexistence so natural that even a predator became a protector.

This Women’s Day, we honor women like her—the guardians of the environment, the keepers of ancestral knowledge, and the silent architects of sustainability.

For centuries, African women have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Many of the sustainability practices we now seek to revive were simply a way of life for our foremothers:

Kikuyu women planted sacred fig trees near homes and rivers, believing they brought rain.
Mijikenda women protected Kaya forests, passing down strict conservation rules.
Luo and Luhya women practiced agroforestry, ensuring soil fertility and food security.
Pastoralist women in Maasai and Samburu communities managed grazing patterns to prevent land degradation.

Even in times of crisis, women turned to nature not just for survival, but with reverence.

During a devastating famine in Kenya, my mother remembers my grandmother urging her to join interfaith prayers at the foot of Mt. Kenya. People from different backgrounds prayed in their own languages, pleading for rain. And then it came—so heavy, so sudden, so powerful that it drove them from the field.

This moment wasn’t just about faith—it was about a deep, ancestral understanding that nature is not something we control, but something we must respect and work in harmony with.

If we want to rebuild a sustainable future, we must look back to move forward reviving biophilic design and embracing the ecological intelligence of African women.

Why Biophilic Design Matters for Women

The spaces we live and work in directly impact our well-being. Poorly designed cities—without green spaces, fresh air, or natural light—increase stress, cause health issues, and limit safe public spaces for women.

How Nature-Based Design Can Uplift Women’s Lives

The spaces we live and work in directly impact our well-being. Poorly designed cities—without green spaces, fresh air, or natural light—increase stress, cause health issues, and limit safe public spaces for women.

1. Healthier Homes & Workplaces

Improved Air Quality & Well-being

• Natural ventilation and daylight reduce indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects women and children who spend more time indoors due to caregiving roles. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), women in Kenya spend an average of 5 hours and 26 minutes per day on unpaid domestic care work, increasing their exposure to indoor pollutants.

• Household air pollution from firewood and charcoal cooking causes respiratory diseases, disproportionately affecting women in rural areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that household air pollution contributes to over 21,500 deaths annually in Kenya, with women and children most affected.

• Green workspaces with plants, open ventilation, and daylight access reduce stress and improve cognitive function. A study by the University of Nairobi’s Department of Environmental Studies found that workers in green office spaces reported 22% higher productivity and reduced work-related fatigue.

2. Safer, More Inclusive Cities

Urban Greenery for Safety & Accessibility

• Tree-lined streets, parks, and urban forests improve safety for women by encouraging social interaction and reducing crime. A study by UN-Habitat Kenya (2022) found that green public spaces in Nairobi’s informal settlements reduced crime rates by 18% due to increased community engagement.

• Shaded walkways and green bus terminals reduce urban heat stress, a growing concern in Kenya. According to the Kenya National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2018-2022), rising temperatures in urban areas exacerbate heat-related stress, particularly for women vendors and commuters

3.  Sustainable Homes for a Healthier Life 

Eco-friendly Housing for Comfort & Health

• Using locally available, sustainable materials like bamboo, compressed stabilized earth blocks, and volcanic stone provides cooler, toxin-free homes and reduces energy costs. Research by the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) shows that vernacular building techniques using natural materials can reduce indoor temperatures by 5-7°C compared to concrete homes, which trap heat.

• Green courtyards, balconies, and rooftop gardens not only provide women with spaces for relaxation and urban farming but also enhance food security. A study by Mazingira Institute (2019) found that women-led urban gardens contributed to 60% of fresh vegetable consumption in Nairobi’s informal settlements, reducing household food costs and improving nutrition.

Why This Matters for Kenya

Kenya’s cities are rapidly expanding, yet green space per capita is declining. Nairobi, once known for its lush greenery, now has less than 4.6m² of green space per person, far below the WHO recommendation of 9m² per capita【UNEP, Green Cities Report】.

By integrating biophilic design in housing, public spaces, and workplaces, we can improve women’s health, economic productivity, and safety, all while enhancing Kenya’s resilience to climate change.

Public Works & Policy: Supporting Women Through Sustainable Design

Kenya’s Public Works sector plays a key role in ensuring sustainable, nature-friendly cities. Here’s how policymakers can support women and nature:

Protect Green Spaces: More parks, tree-lined streets, and safe walkways for women and children.
Support Eco-Friendly Housing: Encourage affordable, sustainable building materials and passive cooling designs.
Champion Women in Sustainability: Increase women’s involvement in urban planning, architecture, and green building projects.

By merging biophilic design with indigenous knowledge, we honor the wisdom of our foremothers while building a resilient, inclusive Kenya.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women leading climate action, designing sustainable buildings, and bringing nature back into our cities. Whether you’re:

A young woman starting a balcony garden,
A mother choosing eco-friendly home designs,
A policymaker pushing for green urban planning,
Or an architect creating biophilic spaces,

YOU are part of the solution. Together, we can build a Kenya where women and nature thrive side by side.

Happy International Women’s Day!

By Wangui Mwangi