Beyond Sex for Fish, Siaya women group thrives with over 1500 harvest eying new ventures

Kigwari Beach, Siaya County – The Bolena women's group, the residence of Sakwa Kigwari Beach are celebrating a remarkable achievement, having harvested 8 Tonnes of fish. This success comes with the crucial support of the Finland non-governmental organization, Africa Enterprise Selling Fund (AESF) marks a significant step in empowering local women and addressing the pervasive issue of "sex for fish" practices in the region and empower women to sustainably engage in aqua culture, save women from " sex for fish " practice and  participate fully in blue - economy.

For a long time, women in the fishing communities of Siaya County have voiced numerous complaints about the increasing prevalence of transactional sex in exchange for fish, a practice that undermines their dignity and economic independence. The intervention by AESF has provided a much-needed alternative, allowing these women to participate directly in and benefit from the local fishing industry. 

 

One enthusiastic staff member of the Bolena group Rose Atieno Okoth highlighted the profound impact of the program. 

"We have heavily benefited from this program," 

she stated. 

"The profit we get after harvest, we can use it to start another business or expand our fish farming project." 

 This sentiment underscores the program's success in fostering sustainable economic empowerment. 

According to Bella, the project officer, the Africa Enterprise Selling Fund's commitment extends beyond empowering women. She stated that the organization "will not leave youths and boychild too" – implying a broader vision for community development that includes all segments of the population. This holistic approach suggests a future where the benefits of such initiatives are shared across the community, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of economic stability and social well-being. 

Just like any other program, Bella stated that they have come across multiple challenges one of the being connected with cultural restrictions and archaic believes that women should not go to the lake to catch fish . In her statement, she added that poverty is the major cause for spread of HIV virus around the lake. " You can find that one fisherman has three wives and many other concubines that he demands sex from before selling for them their fish which makes HIV virus spread massively ," Marry Atieno , a member of Bolena women group stated . She continued expressing her gratitude to Bella and AESF at large for the support and empowerment adding that they can finally participate in fish farming something they couldn't imagine would ever happen. 

 

The women group that has a total of 600 members organized in groups of 20  

Marked their second time harvesting for the remaining 12 groups that did not Harvest the first time . According to Atieno , the first harvesting took place when the market was not so favorable they still woke away with millions of money . 

 

The Bolena group's success serves as a powerful testament to the positive change that can be achieved through targeted support and community-led initiatives. It not only provides a sustainable livelihood but also tackles deeply ingrained social issues, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for the residents of Kigwari Beach and beyond. 

 

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