Slum Dwellers International
Slum Dwellers International (SDI) is a global network of community-based organizations and federations of the urban poor, operating in over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Founded in 1996, SDI facilitates horizontal exchanges, peer-to-peer learning, and collective action among residents of informal settlements to address issues of insecure land tenure, lack of basic services, and inadequate housing. The network empowers urban poor communities to drive their own development processes, collect critical data on their settlements, and engage directly with local and national governments to advocate for more inclusive and equitable urban policies.
About Us
SDI operates on the principle that the urban poor are active citizens and agents of change, possessing the capacity and knowledge to address their own challenges. The network supports member federations in forming women-led savings groups, which serve as platforms for collective action, resource mobilization, and community organizing. Through these savings groups, communities undertake activities like city-wide slum enumerations and mapping, co-production of housing and infrastructure, and direct negotiations with municipal authorities to secure tenure and improve living conditions. SDI fosters a model of peer learning and exchange, where experiences and successful strategies are shared across cities and countries, building a global movement for informal settlement upgrading.
Vision
A world where urban poor communities are recognized as integral parts of the city, living in secure, well-serviced, and resilient settlements, with their rights and contributions to urban development fully acknowledged and supported. SDI envisions cities that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for all residents.
Mission
To empower and unite urban poor communities globally to improve their living conditions, secure land tenure, and gain access to essential services through self-organization, collective action, and partnerships with local and national governments. SDI's core mission is to amplify the voices and capacities of slum dwellers, enabling them to drive their own development agendas.
Culture
SDI's culture is deeply rooted in principles of community empowerment, grassroots leadership, and horizontal solidarity. It emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, mutual support, and collaborative problem-solving among federations of the urban poor. The network fosters a participatory approach, where decisions and actions are driven by the needs and aspirations of slum dwellers themselves. It is a culture of advocacy, resilience, innovation, and direct engagement with policymakers, valuing the lived experiences and knowledge of informal settlement residents.
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