SDI is a global network of slum dwellers driving a collective, bottom-up change agenda for inclusive and resilient cities.

What we do

Local voices share stories of resilience and change from slums around the world.

Stories of change

Bringing slum dwellers' rich lived experience and knowledge into research, policy, and development work.

Knowledge hub

Explore our data collected in over 5,000 slums in more than 18 countries across the global south.

Data portal

Explore our network stories

Read stories of resilience and change from our network of community voices.

STORIES OF CHANGE

Sep 11 2023

Towards the Formulation of a Participatory WASH Framework for Informal Settlements in Harare: Hopley Case Study by Thomas Karakadzai

Aug 22 2023

Unveiling SDI’s Global Impact: Exploring Global, City and Settlement Levels by SDI General

After the co-production of water and sanitation infrastructure at Mambo Hostels Mucheke. (PHOTO: Dialogue on Shelter Trust Zimbabwe)

Aug 21 2023

Co-Production of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Zimbabwe by Thomas Karakadzai

Aug 16 2023

SDI Reflects on CBA17 by SDI Reporter

Jul 31 2023

Improving Lighting, Improving Life in Slums in Zimbabwe by Teurai Nyamangara

Jul 31 2023

SA SDI Alliance and the Asivikelane Campaign by SDI Reporter

Jul 24 2023

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Community-Government Ties: A Transformative Visit to Dar es Salaam’s Federation Groups by tanzania

A photo of laundry drying in an informal settlement in Khayalitsha, Cape Town.

Jun 19 2023

SDI at the Resilience Evidence Forum by SDI Reporter

Mar 30 2023

#DignifiedUrbanLife Youth Summit: Intergenerational Dialogue and Music Unite to Fight Inequality by SDI Reporter

Explore our network

Learn about the long and rich history of our social movement in each of the countries in the SDI network.

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Explore our data portal

Dive into our Know Your City (KYC) portal, home to community-collected slum data from over 5,000 slums in more than18 countries across the global south.

Explore data

Explore our knowledge hub

Explore our growing collection of research and evidence reports that bring decades of slum dweller experience and knowledge into advocacy, policy and development work.

Visit knowledge hub

Know Your City TV (KYC.TV) mobilises young people in slums to make media that makes change. We believe in the power of art, story and creativity for social impact. Explore our work here.