WIDOW'S CAN PROJECT FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT.

Summary

This report presents the key activities, progress, and linkages established during the Widow's CAN Project, which is focused on empowering widows by connecting them with critical support systems. The aim is to build a network of financial, social, and emotional resources that widows can rely on to improve their livelihoods and well-being. This project primarily targets widows who lack access to sustainable economic activities and social support networks.

ChallengeWidows face numerous challenges after losing their spouses, including financial instability, social isolation, and stigma. In many cases, they are left with little to no support and are often excluded from financial and community resources. The Widow's CAN Project was created to mitigate these challenges by establishing linkages with relevant support networks that can provide financial assistance, business opportunities, emotional support, and advocacy for widows’ rights.

Activities and Progress

1. Linkages to Financial Institutions:Objective: Facilitate access to affordable credit for widows to start or grow their businesses.Progress: The project successfully linked 40 widows to local microfinance institutions and cooperatives, enabling them to secure low-interest loans.Outcome: 30 of the linked widows have already started small-scale businesses, including farming, tailoring, and retail.

2. Business and Skills Training:Objective: Equip widows with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their economic independence.Progress: We partnered with local vocational training centers and NGOs to provide 60 widows with training in income-generating activities such as soap-making, basket weaving, and small-scale agriculture.Outcome: 20% of participants have reported increased earnings after the training, which has significantly improved their ability to support their families

.3. Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs):Objective: Create platforms for widows to support one another and pool resources for mutual benefit.Progress: Five self-help groups were formed in [insert location] where widows meet regularly to save money, share experiences, and collaborate on business ventures.Outcome: These SHGs have built solidarity among the women and enhanced their social and economic resilience. Additionally, group savings schemes have allowed members to invest in small businesses.

4. Legal Aid and Advocacy Linkages:Objective: Connect widows to legal aid services to address issues such as inheritance rights and property ownership.Progress: We linked 15 widows to pro bono legal aid organizations to help them navigate disputes related to property inheritance and spousal rights.Outcome: 10 widows successfully reclaimed property that had been taken from them following their husbands' deaths.

5. Health and Wellness Support:Objective: Provide access to emotional and psychological support services for widows.Progress: We partnered with local health clinics and counseling centers to offer mental health services to widows who are struggling with grief and emotional challenges.Outcome: Over 25 widows received free counseling services, improving their mental well-being and helping them cope with the emotional burden of widowhood.Impact and AchievementsImproved Livelihoods: 70% of the widows who received financial assistance and skills training have reported improved financial stability. Many have started small businesses, which have enabled them to support their children and become less dependent on external aid.Increased Community Engagement: The formation of SHGs has strengthened community bonds and provided widows with platforms to share their challenges and solutions.Empowerment and Self-Confidence:

The widows involved in the project have expressed increased self-confidence, as they now have access to resources that were previously out of reach.Rights and Advocacy: Legal assistance has empowered widows to reclaim their rights and property, which is critical for their long-term security.Testimonial: “I felt alone and powerless after my husband passed away, but now I have a community of women who support me and a small business that gives me hope for the future,” said welihamina aketch one of the project beneficiaries.

Challenges Faced

Cultural Stigma: Some widows still face societal stigma and exclusion, particularly in rural areas where traditional norms are more entrenched. Continued community awareness campaigns are needed to combat these attitudes

.Limited Resources: While the project has made significant progress, demand for financial and business support far exceeds current capacity. Additional funding and partnerships are necessary to reach more widows.

Accessibility: Reaching widows in remote areas has been challenging due to limited infrastructure. We are exploring mobile training and outreach programs to address this issue.

Next Steps

Expand Financial Linkages: We plan to link more widows to microfinance institutions and explore partnerships with larger banks to provide better financial products suited to widows' needs.

Scale Skills Training: We aim to expand the vocational training program to include more income-generating activities and to reach widows in more remote areas.

Advocate for Widows’ Rights: Continue to work with legal aid organizations and government bodies to advocate for stronger legal protections for widows, particularly regarding inheritance and property rights.

Monitor and Evaluate Progress: We will continue to monitor the progress of the businesses and support networks established by the widows and provide follow-up support as needed