It has been said that women hold up half the sky \u2013 in Kenya they seem to hold up 99.9%, being the main providers for themselves and their families (including their men).<\/p>\n
This was the backdrop to Tracy Gardiner\u2019s introduction of the current International charity Meru Women\u2019s Garden Project in a talk to club members.<\/p>\n
Meru County in Kenya is the focus of Soroptimist International\u2019s mission to transform the lives of women and girls by raising funds to educate them to enable them to improve their agricultural skills, so raising their family\u2019s living standards and empowering them to challenge the traditional practices that have held them back for so long.<\/p>\n
In Kenya and so in Meru County, tradition governs everything.\u00a0 Boys, after circumcision go into the bush for a few months and come back men, relieved of all domestic duties spending the time talking or drinking. In contrast girls may suffer the horrific female genital mutilation (FGM) and are condemned to a life of poverty and hard work, the sole support of their family.\u00a0 Lack of education and the power and confidence it brings have left the women unable to challenge the current situation.<\/p>\n
Training in up to date agricultural practices will result in greater yields and a more nutritious diet.\u00a0 The setting up of food gardens will encourage girls to go to school as it is essential that they become literate and numerate. There will be training in business, micro finance and employment skills and a system of mentoring in schools to educate girls in sexual health and their right to protect themselves.\u00a0 Girls at risk of FGM are targeted and housed and supported where necessary.\u00a0 Education not circumcision is an alternative rite of passage.\u00a0 Characteristics of a strong woman will be cascaded.<\/p>\n
This will empower the women to find their voice. Roles played in the project will help to give confidence and leadership.\u00a0 It will enable poverty and injustice to be reduced.<\/p>\n
This is a three year international project 2016-2019 that has already raised \u00a356,470.<\/p>\n