A little over a year ago, the village of Katerema underwent a transformation that had not been seen in years. From organized women’s groups, to Agribusinesses, to strong social support structures, the change was palpable.
For one particular woman, the story got worse before it became better. You see, Keturah Akumu had been married at the tender age of 18 years to her village sweetheart. Like any new bride, the expectation was high for a life of love and dreams. No one had prepared her for the rude shock when her husband turned abusive. One night when he threatened her with a panga, she knew it was time for her and her 3 children to flee to safety. With no source of income to support herself and her children, hope quickly turned to despair.
Keturah heard about the women’s group through a neighbor. She quickly joined, diligently participating in all the group activities. Soon she would reap. With available access to loans from the group, her 3 children resumed school. The counseling from the older woman constantly reminding her that she was valuable. Healing and restoration began to unfold.
Jars of Clay is supporting groups of women, in the area of Agri-business. The project is helping to address the economic drivers of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) while building financial literacy, small business skills, and strengthening social support systems for women. The outcomes in agriculture that have been witnessed in this village are proof that Women can have a valuable impact on the agribusiness industry. Working closely with the Government structures at the LC1 level, and in collaboration with the local parish churches, the program is reducing GBV at the individual, family, and community level. The approaches are participatory and aim to equip the beneficiaries with knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prevent and fight against GBV. According to the local leaders, there is a reduction in GBV cases reported in this area. This change is partly attributed to the economic empowerment of women, access to information, and the social support structures in the women’s groups.
