Session: From Models to Solutions: Women's Leadership in Shaping Resilience Responses to Climate Challenges in Informal Settlements (Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference)

This symposium brings together five pivotal studies that explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change and extreme weather events (EWEs) on the mental health of women living in informal settlements. Each study contributes unique insights, collectively building a comprehensive narrative that highlights the acute vulnerabilities of these communities and underscores the proactive role of women as agents of change and resilience.

The first study introduces a robust pathways framework that conceptualizes the complex dynamics between climate-induced stressors and mental health outcomes. This foundational framework integrates various moderating and mediating factors, including individual health histories, socioeconomic variables, and community infrastructure, to illustrate how these elements interplay to affect mental health in the face of EWEs. By establishing this comprehensive model, the study sets a theoretical groundwork for understanding and addressing mental health issues in climate-vulnerable populations.

Building on this theoretical model, the second study presents empirical data from a large-scale survey conducted in Nairobi's informal settlements. This research pinpoints the specific mental health challenges such as increased rates of depression and anxiety that correlate directly with experiences of extreme temperatures and drought. These findings provide crucial empirical support to the proposed pathways framework and highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in these communities.

The third study focuses on a subgroup within these settlements - women with disabilities - and explores how extreme cold events exacerbate their vulnerability. The study uses regression analysis to demonstrate the severe impact of cold on functionality and daily living, thereby adding another layer of specificity to understanding climate impacts on vulnerable populations.

Transitioning from impacts to solutions, the fourth presentation advocates for the efficacy of community participatory approaches. This study emphasizes the transformative potential of involving community members, particularly women, in research and decision-making processes to achieve climate justice and health equity. By documenting successful collaborative research methodologies, this study showcases how empowerment and local engagement can lead to more sustainable outcomes.

The symposium concludes with a presentation on locally developed, women-led solutions to climate challenges. Highlighting innovative and sustainable solutions proposed by women in these settlements, this study is a powerful testament to women's agency as leaders in adaptation strategies. It challenges dominant narratives that often marginalize these communities and portrays them as key actors in creating resilient responses to environmental challenges.

Together, these studies detail the severe implications of climate change on an already marginalized population and illuminate the path forward through women-led initiatives that prioritize community-specific needs and resilience.