Tackling the Gendered Hurdles: Enhancing Women's Commuting Safety and Health Amidst Air Pollution in Nairobi

Tackling the Gendered Hurdles: Enhancing Women's Commuting Safety and Health Amidst Air Pollution in Nairobi

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA 

The County Diary News Reporter 

 Women  commutters exposed to air pollution across Nairobi city

Nairobi , 3rd March,  2024 -  In the heart of Nairobi, a compelling narrative unfolds as of March 3, 2024, shedding light on the gendered challenges faced by women amidst the city's rapid urban expansion. Commuting becomes a formidable struggle, with air pollution emerging as a silent adversary, posing threats to the safety and health of women navigating bustling streets. The city grapples with escalating air pollution attributed to urbanization, traffic congestion, and industrial expansion. Women, whether relying on public transportation or walking, find themselves at the forefront of these challenges, exposed to prolonged periods of poor air quality.

Public transportation, a vital lifeline, becomes a source of exposure to pollutants emitted by buses and minibusses on crowded roads. Simultaneously, walking offers no respite as dust-laden streets and vehicular emissions contribute to an environment jeopardizing the respiratory health of women. This dual impact underscores the urgent need for interventions in public transportation and pedestrian spaces to address air quality concerns and prioritize the well-being of women.

The consequences of these gendered commuting challenges extend beyond immediate concerns, profoundly impacting women's overall well-being. Prolonged exposure to polluted air escalates respiratory ailments, heightening the risks of infections, allergies, and long-term health issues. Pregnant women face even higher stakes, as the link between air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes becomes starkly apparent. Urgent and targeted efforts are imperative to mitigate the impact of air pollution on women's respiratory health and create a safer commuting environment, particularly for pregnant women in Nairobi.

Delving into the 2019 population census by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nairobi County's demographic landscape reveals a population of 4,232,087, with a balanced gender distribution of 49% males and 51% females. Children below 15 years constitute 34%, and youth aged 15-24 years make up 18%. Dr. George Mwaniki, Head of Air Quality for WRI Africa, underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution, which claims 8,000 lives annually in Nairobi, constituting 35% of the county's health-related budget. The World Health Organization reports approximately 18,000 deaths annually in Nairobi due to cardiovascular and lung diseases linked to air pollution.

Recognizing these challenges, Nairobi must implement a comprehensive strategy. Cleaner technologies in public transport, optimized routes, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure with green spaces and strict emissions regulations are crucial components. Dedicated lanes for walking and cycling, coupled with targeted measures for pregnant women, such as education on pollution risks and improved ventilation, are essential interventions. By integrating these solutions, Nairobi can embark on a path toward a healthier, more inclusive urban environment, safeguarding the well-being of its female residents and ensuring sustainable growth.