We hope to organize women to tackle issues of their reproductive rights. We will focus on women fish mongers on the ten beaches of Lake Victoria who are dehumanized by fishermen on the beaches. They are forced to have sex with the men before they have access to fish which they sell for their survival. This callous and dangerous situation perpetuates the infection of HIV/AIDS, resulting in forming strong networks in control of the fish trade.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Homa Bay
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
Make a short documentary of the lives of the women at the beach, highlighting the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. There will be awareness creation by legal expert on women’s rights. The film will be uploaded on the internet to create awareness and funding. Through this women will be empowered to stand against such dehumanizing treatment. They will no more sell their bodies just to survive.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The vision is to empower women in the fish trade to gain dignity and bring positive change in the society. A short film will be created to tell life stories of women fish mongers giving account of their day to day struggles and also clips of legal experts teaching on women’s rights will be shown. There will be sharing of success stories of interventions by women in development of their family and community.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
The Ministry of Fisheries Development (Government of Kenya), Homa Hills Human Rights Organisation (CBO), Isaiah 54 Widows (CBO), Homa Bay Police-Gender Desk, AMREF (Maanisha Project).
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
An action plan will be developed, scheduling timelines on when to meet and discuss any challenges and monitor progress. A three year strategic plan will be developed. There will be deliberate efforts to link up with local media and other relevant stakeholders for sustainability.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Video camera, Computer, tripod stand and regular volunteers.
Contact name
Florence Juma
Organization
RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (RUWEDO)
1 comment
This would definitely highlight the plight of these ‘vulnerable’ class,women in fishing around Lake Victoria. I have worked around Lake Victoria and with the women and the situation is dire. Such media will not only narrate the situation through ‘first voice’ but will capture worldwide attention and elicit more proactive and sustainable strategies.