Some women in the Mwingi West Constituency have formed groups that engage in basketry and soap making to earn a living.
Through Crisbel Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), which was formed by one of their members, the women are now making sisal-made baskets which they sell locally and abroad after value addition.
They have also established an aloe-vera plantation where they obtain some of the raw materials for making medicated soaps for sale.
Christine Mutoni who is the founder of the NGO said that she was touched by the suffering of women and young girls who had been victims of sexual abuse in Mwingi, Kitui County, and Kajiado County, especially during this period of Covid-19.
“I decided to bring women, especially the vulnerable, orphans, widows and young mothers together to keep them busy and most importantly create a venture for them to earn a living,” she said.
She supplies them with raw materials for making baskets, soap, and leatherwork so that they may earn a living by selling the items to different markets destinations.
However, she says that the number of young girls who have dropped out of school in Kitui County is overwhelming and partnership with well-wishers and the County Government is necessary.
“Following outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, many girls have dropped out of school and they need closer supervision. So, I call upon the government and other stakeholders to step in and lend a helping hand,” she urged.
Juliana Nguli, one of the beneficiaries of the activities being undertaken by the Chrisbel Foundation says that women have benefited immensely as they can now get some money to buy food for their families, as well as pay school fees for their children.
“This Organization has really helped us as we can now afford our basic needs,” Ms Nguli noted.
By Kasera Onyango
