Empowering Kenyan Women Joint Effort Against COVID-19 Challenges

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Joan, Jikaze Wajane saving group, standing in front of her beauty shop/CARE International.

 As of the end of April 2021, 159.318 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in Kenya and the national rate of positive COVID-19 cases stood at 9.7%. Kakamega and Bungoma, two counties in the western part of Kenya with the second largest rural population, managed to control COVID-19 better than other regions because of special support from the government for vulnerable rural communities. Especially movement restrictions helped to keep infections and COVID-related deaths at a lower level compared to other regions in the country. But people still suffer from all of the COVID-related restrictions. Many people lose their jobs and deal with trauma often because of COVID-related stigmatization.

 

Joan Naisimiu lives in Bungoma county in Kenya – an area close to the border of Uganda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24-year-old mother of two lost her job. “I am worried about how I will be able to feed and educate my children”, says Joan. To secure income, she recently opened a hair and beauty shop. She is also part of a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) called Jikaze Wajane OVC. As a treasurer, she manages the financial contributions of all VSLA group members. “With support from the VSLA savings, I hope I will be able to expand my business very soon”, she adds.

 

With financial support from corporate partner Beiersdorf, CARE improves access to equitable and qualitative health services, especially for vulnerable women and girls in Kakamega and Bungoma counties in the western region of Kenya. Over 4,000 VSLA members have met with health experts, and more than half of them have received information on the origin, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Participants also had the chance to learn more about potential socio-economic impacts and health regulations' important role in combatting the pandemic.    

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