Makka Abdula's experience of the pervasive gender-based violence (GBV) in her community fuelled her determination to empower young women. A courageous advocate for women’s rights in Tawfiq Village, Kilifi County, Kenya, she confronts deeply ingrained cultural barriers that deprive women of education and lead to child marriage and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Igniting Passion For Change
Makka's transformative journey began after she completed her secondary education, with GBV training in Hola, Tana River. GROOTS Kenya, a combined movement of grassroots and women-led community-based organizations and self-help groups, provided the training.
This ignited her passion for change. She recalls, “As a girl, I stood up and said that I cannot be oppressed when I know my rights.” Makka was inspired by self-assured women forming self-help groups, and she established the Tawfiq Girls Champions, a group of 20 young women who had experienced GBV. This marked the beginning of their journey. However, it began with initial resistance from people in their community. The Tawfiq Girls Champions sought to join elders' meetings but were rejected and asked to disband.
Undeterred, they persisted and were eventually accepted at the following elders' meeting. It was their first step in transforming community perspectives on women's empowerment.
Makka Abdula in consultation with an elder from her community.
Providing Comprehensive Support
Through the GROOTS Kenya training, Makka learned about the Jasiri Fund, a collaborative initiative between the Mastercard Foundation, GROOTS Kenya, and other partners. The Jasiri Fund provides comprehensive support for GBV survivors.
Beyond providing financial aid for immediate relief, it equips them with tools for long-term independence by offering entrepreneurship and business management training. The Tawfiq Girls Champions applied for support, which they received.
With support from the Jasiri Fund, Makka and the Tawfiq Girls Champions initiated a farming and water business. They identified gaps in the food and water supply affecting their community and secured a loan for a 10,000-liter water tank to address this challenge. It enabled them to supply this critical resource. They sell the water at KES 20 per litre, gaining income to sustain their group and cultivate and sell maize and mung beans as an additional income stream.
These empowered young women have undergone First Responder training conducted by GROOTS Kenya, which provides them with the relevant skills to respond to GBV cases and offer support. This included paralegal training to take legal action when needed. The group also created an Emergency Fund to support GBV responders, ensuring immediate aid if a situation arises. The group’s members make bi-weekly contributions to the fund. They hold weekly meetings to track business progress and discuss crucial matters, which include addressing GBV in their community.
Makka Abdula participating in a community meeting.
Catalyst In Their Communities
Makka is currently pursuing a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work in Malindi, Kilifi County, and the Tawfiq Girls Champions have become advocates for organization and change. Their story, marked by resilience, community transformation, and the enduring impact of the Jasiri Fund, now inspires other women to form similar groups in their communities. Groups like Maendeleo Women’s Group and Faulu have joined the Jasiri Fund, initiating their water businesses and catalyzing a broader community service movement and women's empowerment in Tawfiq Village and beyond.
