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Deep in Siaya County, near Lake Victoria and 47 miles from Kisumu, lies Got Matar village. This village, known for its rocky terrain, is experiencing renewed hope. A Community Based Organization (CBO) is restoring dignity to its most vulnerable members: the widows.
The community, largely comprised of fisher folk, has been ravaged by HIV/AIDS. High poverty levels are also a major challenge. Harmful cultural practices, like wife inheritance, exacerbate these issues.
Widows in Got Matar Receive Support
The Got Matar Community Development Group is changing the narrative. Widows now benefit from permanent houses and experience renewed hope. These houses replace dilapidated mud structures where they once resided with their children.
Dignity Through Housing
According to Got Matar CBO coordinator Grace Ochieng, a permanent house with a water tank signifies dignity. This is more than just shelter for a widow. The housing initiative aims to curb harmful practices like wife inheritance.
These practices expose widows and orphans to violence. Opportunistic inheritors often exploit vulnerable women. The CBO seeks to protect widows from such risks.
The houses empower widows to resist exploitation. This enables them to pursue economic opportunities and improve their families’ lives.
Beatrice Achieng Ouma, a widow since 2014, rejoiced upon moving into her new house. She expressed immense relief and gratitude for her permanent house.
“I have a house and I can now speak where other women with houses are speaking” said Beatrice
Scaling Up the Project
Beatrice is the second beneficiary of a house this year. Construction of two additional units is nearing completion. This will bring the total completed in 2025 to four.
Grace Ochieng said the Community group aims to construct 33 more houses by the end of next year. The McMillan family sponsored the first two units. The Gustafson family, from the USA, are sponsoring the ongoing projects.
Ochieng said more than 90 widows have been identified. This demonstrates the overwhelming need for housing. Future construction depends on securing additional sponsorships.
She hopes others will sponsor units to provide dignity and happiness to more families. Currently, the project relies on limited international support.
Partnerships for Progress
The Got Matar Institute of Technology collaborates on construction. Students gain apprenticeships under qualified masons. Tutor George Odhiambo Aketch said this partnership benefits both the institute and the widows.
Students obtain practical skills to enhance competence. They do not have to seek attachment elsewhere. They gain valuable hands-on experience through this project.
Christopher Omondi Ouma and Sharon Atieno Okinda, construction students, appreciate the experience they are getting. They said they’re saving money by gaining skills on the job.
The Siaya County Assembly recently passed a widows protection bill. This aims to shield widows from harmful traditional practices. It also seeks to empower them socially and economically. The Got Matar Community group’s project aligns with this legislation.
Addressing Funding Gaps
HIV prevalence remains high in the region. The bill’s impact on funding gaps remains to be seen. Current widows’ empowerment projects rely on limited donor funding and overseas sponsorships.
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