Empowering women & breaking the cycle
WAWA Kenya, founded by Cavin Odera, works in the Mbita region around Lake Victoria to support women living in extreme poverty. Many women here are trapped in the harmful “sex-for-fish” system, where they must exchange sexual favors with fishermen to secure fish for income. This has led to high HIV rates and limited opportunities to escape poverty.
WAWA reaches out to these women directly on the beaches and offers a six-month training program in IT and practical skills such as baking, poultry farming, tailoring, or beauty services. After completing the program, participants can receive small start-up capital to launch their own businesses.
With Stichting de Boomgaard’s contribution WAWA is building a small bakery, building on their successful poultry program. By using their own eggs to create baked goods, women can learn a new skill, increase their income and gain independence.
