Wave after Wave
JUNE 2021
4.1 Demolitions: Women & children affected
Women dominate the number of people in the informal sector and the demolition of their operating
space gravely affects the levels of economic empowerment of women.
In addition, woman make the majority of the primary care givers, and when their operating space and
houses are demolished, they are left with no other means with which to fend for the family.
Homelessness affects every facet of women and children's lives. The experience of homelessness
impedes their emotional, social and behavioural development.
In general, homeless women and children consistently exhibit more health problems. Environmental
factors contribute to their poor health and they are vulnerable to infectious and diseases.
Women and children without proper homes are at great risk of all forms of harsh weather. We are in
the winter season and demolitions with no alternative accommodation are cruelty in itself.
The impact of such actions on women with disabilities and those with children with disabilities is
unimaginable.
Section 28 of the Constitution states that: “The State and all institutions and agencies of government
at every level must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources
available to them, to enable every person to have access to adequate shelter.
The demolitions and evictions infringe on the rights of the residents to decent housing and shelter,
freedom from arbitrary evictions as espoused by the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights
and the UN Charter.