The GoDown Arts Centre participated in and endorsed the Medellin Declaration agreed at the Seventh World Urban Forum convened by UN Habitat in 2014.  

During the Forum, we reaffirmed “our commitment to integrate urban equity into the development agenda, employing all means and resources available to ensure that cities are transformed into inclusive, safe, prosperous and harmonious spaces for all.” 

The spirit of that affirmation continues to fuel The GoDown’s work – from our programs, our collaborations and engagements, to our transformation project – with the belief that equity is both a moral obligation and a central element of social justice, and part of transformative change. Equity is the foundation of sustainable urban development.  

The GoDown HerCity HerStreets MethodKit Ideation Workshop which takes place tomorrow, Sunday October 24th, celebrates our community of young women who have participated in the project so far. They have given time and effort to explore the streets around the GoDown, making their observations about how they (and others) interact with the spaces along Dunga and Dundori Roads in Industrial Area. 

Tomorrow, they will be part of facilitator-led exercise to process and document their ideas on how to make this section of the city better, safer and more inclusive, culminating in another workshop next weekend, during which they will be re-designing the streets using the Minecraft© software. 

The HerCity HerStreets project, which has been made possible by a vibrant partnership with UN Habitat, is an invaluable part of the GoDown’s transformation and is fittingly coming to a climax during Urban October and Nairobi Placemaking Week. 

The 24th of October also happens to be UN Day, and we are reflecting on the numerous partnerships and collaborations, such as this one, which have played an important role in our work and impact in communities.