Kenya: Building Resilience Among Widows and Single Mothers in Mathare Slums

Kenya: Building Resilience Among Widows and Single Mothers in Mathare Slums

ALARM Kenya, in partnership with Rise Up Woman International, has implemented the Building Resilience Among Widow and Single Mothers Project in Mathare, Kenya. This project started in September and aims to reduce the vulnerability of 50 women who have been impacted by COVID-19 and violence. In January, 14 of these women participated in an Income Generation Activity Training where they learned how to make and sell liquid soap. In February, 27 of the women received a capital injection to be used for their existing businesses. With this capital injection, the women are now able to boost their businesses to a level that will revive their business to a profitable state. 7 of the women in this project are currently going through a 3-month apprenticeship training where they are learning skills in a profession (hairdressing, tailoring, or beauty therapy). In addition to economic empowerment, 45 of these women attended a 1-day trauma healing training in January. During their time together, they walked through topics on trauma healing, breaking cycles of violence, resilience in business, personal growth, and other development topics. As ALARM Kenya and Rise Up work alongside this community, women are being equipped and empowered economically and spiritually.