Gender Imbalances and Maternal Healthcare Access in Nairobi Slums: A Comparative Study

Gender imbalances have been identified as significant barriers to maternal healthcare access in Nairobi slums, affecting child and maternal health outcomes. Data was collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions with women from two Nairobi slums. Sociodemographic information and experiences related to maternal health were recorded. A notable finding is that women in one slum reported significantly lower access to antenatal care (70%) compared to another (25%), highlighting the systemic gender-based barriers. The study concludes that gender inequalities lead to substantial disparities in maternal healthcare access, with implications for child survival rates in Nairobi slums. Recommendations focus on policy interventions aimed at reducing gender biases and improving equitable access to maternal healthcare services in Nairobi slums.