Empowered Voices, Resilient Women, Leading Change in Baringo County

In Baringo County, a group of resilient women is defying societal norms and rewriting the narrative of what women can achieve. Miriam Mengich, a dedicated member and secretary of the Jerusalem Kolowa Women Group, has played a pivotal role in leading a group of determined women on a journey of self-reliance and positive change.

The Jerusalem Kolowa Women Group, founded in 2014 as a prayer group within the church, quickly evolved into a dynamic force for economic and social empowerment. Miriam recounts their humble beginnings, stating, “We started a table banking system, pooling funds and providing loans to our members with a 10 percent interest return. This initiative kick-started the financial independence of our members, enabling them to establish small businesses and become self-sufficient.”

As the group expanded, they introduced a social fund in which an additional amount of KES 50 was raised to support members facing challenges such as paying school fees or coping with the loss of loved ones. The impact of their efforts became evident, with all members successfully initiating and sustaining their small businesses through the support of the table banking system.

The pivotal turning point for the Jerusalem Kolowa Women Group came in 2016, when FCAKenya learned about their inspiring story. Impressed by their achievements and dedication, FCA funded the group with KES 160,000, propelling the women’s businesses to new heights. Miriam emphasises, “the financial support from FCA allowed our members to expand their businesses, resulting in increased profits and improved living standards.”

With 18 members currently, the group has become a beacon of hope in their community, challenging societal norms that traditionally limit women’s ownership and knowledge. Miriam proudly notes, “other women in our society are now following our example, and even husbands are encouraging their wives to join the group.”

Diversification for impact

Group ventured into outside catering services, targeting organisations implementing projects in their county. The profits generated from these services are saved and shared among the members at the end of the year, further boosting their individual businesses and supporting education and housing initiatives.

Miriam enthusiastically shares, “thanks to FCA, we now own nine beehives, and we plan to sell honey at the end of the year. We have also established a nursery school in our village, creating job opportunities and providing education to the community’s children.” The impact of FCA’s support is evident in the group’s achievements, from educating children to building permanent houses for all members.

Women asadvocates for Peace

The women of Jerusalem Kolowa are also advocates for peace and community development. Actively engaged in educating people about the importance of peace, the group sends members to promote peaceful coexistence. Additionally, they host holiday sessions to educate girls on life skills and combat female genital mutilation (FGM), contributing to a significant reduction in FGM cases.

While celebrating their achievements, Miriam acknowledges the challenges they face. The group seeks additional financial support to further empower their members, expand their tent rental business, and enhance school facilities. Their overarching goal is to challenge stereotypes and prove that women can be catalysts for positive change within society.

FCA’s broader Impact

Under the Peacebuilding and Livelihood programme, FCA extends its support to other groups like Cheluche and Amani Women Groups. These groups, too, received valuable assistance in the form of livestock, such as goats, significantly contributing to their economic empowerment. Building on the success of the Jerusalem Kolowa Women Group, these groups have embraced table banking, fostering financial independence among their members.

Monica Yano, the Chairlady of the 17-member Chelule Amani Women Group, expresses her gratitude, saying, “the support from FCA has not only provided us with tangible resources like goats but has also empowered us to take control of our financial future through table banking. This has had a positive ripple effect on our livelihoods and, by extension, our community.”

A Vision for the Future

FCA’s Peacebuilding Coordinator, Charles Apondu, sheds light on the broader impact of their initiatives in Elgeiyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo counties. With a focus on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and livelihood projects, FCA addresses resource-based conflicts driven by cattle rustling, climate change-induced droughts, and other challenges leading to insecurity.

Over the past eight years, FCA has been a steadfast presence, involving women and girls in their peacebuilding initiatives. Apondu emphasises, “including women is crucial for the sustainability of our processes. Women and girls are key contributors to community dynamics, and their involvement ensures that our efforts have a lasting impact.”

In the last two years alone, FCA has closely collaborated with 16,000 community members in Baringo County, providing support in reconciliation, peacebuilding, and livelihood enhancement. The success of these initiatives wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland, a key partner in implementing these transformative projects.

Text: Daisy Obare