A women group comprised of widows in the heart of Kieni West Sub-County, Laburia Location, Nyeri County has specialised in making African baskets.
When KNA visited Honi widows’ group members during one of their monthly meetings, they narrated how the group of 21 meet every month, undertake tree planting activities and make African baskets.
The widows specialise in making beautiful and unique materials such as African baskets, mats, scarfs, sweaters, pouches, necklaces and other decorative materials.
These products are sold to help support them economically and the group is also working towards purchasing chicken and goats.
Esther Mugure, a widow and a beneficiary of the group, narrated how the group has benefitted them saying they are now able to educate their children and feed their families.
Another member, Jane Muthoni, said when they meet, they are able to share new ideas on how to improve their lives through making things adding that sweaters, scarfs and mats were some of the things she loves making most.
The Department of Gender, Youth and Social Services, Social Welfare Officer Kieni West Ms Bilha Gathoni who was also present said they strive to empower and make a positive mark in the lives of widows in their area.
Gathoni said they also sensitize the women on the available opportunities adding that through this group, women get a safe space to converse about matters affecting their lives, be each other’s support system and come up with new ideas to improve their livelihoods.
She said women should all come together and support each other terming the widows as heroines in the community.
By Beth Ndirangu
