Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2013/2014: Handing Over of the Project for the Construction of Economic Empowerment Center for Women in the Fishing Community

Ambassador Terada viewing the products made of water-hyacinth

women making the flower baskets with water-hyacinth.

Title	Handing Over of the Project for the Construction of Economic Empowerment Center for Women in the Fishing Community
Date	1st December, 2014
Location	Kisui Village, Gembe West Location, Mbita Division, Mbita Sub-County Homa Bay County
Project title	The Project for the Construction of Economic Empowerment Center for Women in the Fishing Community
Amount	US$121,889 (Approx. Kshs 10 million)
Attendance	H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada – The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya Hon. Mr. Cyprian Awiti – Homa Bay County Governor Ms. Emily Ngetich- Representative of H.E Mrs. Rachel Ruto (Executive Director of Joyful Women Organization ) Mr. Julias Mokogi – Representative of Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Industrialization (Managing Director of Kenya Industrial Estate) Hon. Prof Ogada – Minister of Trade, Industry & Investment of Homa Bay County Government (Executive Committee Member of DEVLINK) Hon. James Oyugi – Area Member of County Assembly Officials from Local Government The management and staff of Development Knowledge Link Africa (DEVLINK) The community members of Kisui Village Total of about 600 participants
Main activity	The Handing Over Ceremony of The Project for the Construction of Economic Empowerment Center for Women in the Fishing Community which had its Grant Contract signed in February 2014, was held in Mbita, Homa Bay County and witnessed by among others, officials from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya. The funds for the Economic Empowerment Center for Women were used for the construction of an empowerment center composed of a dining hall, eco-san toilets, and purchase of thirty eight sewing machines, furniture, two water tanks and a backup generator. Women in the fishing community have been overwhelmed by the heavy burden of raising young families under tough economic conditions. The center will be used to empower the women by providing them with employment and training opportunities. They will also be able to produce contemporary sanitary towels which will be locally available at affordable prices with the hope of reducing school drop-out cases for girls. During the occasion H.E. Ambassador Terada unveiled the plaque together with Hon. Mr. Cyprian Awiti, Homa Bay County Governor. They then made a tour of the new magnificent Economic Empowerment Centre for Women. The ceremony which included dances performed by pupils and women began with speeches from local officials who expressed their gratitude for the support received from the people and Government of Japan. While giving his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr.Terada congratulated Development Knowledge Link Africa, DEVLINK, and the contractor for the dedication and hard work they put in for the successful completion of this project. The Ambassador quoted a message from the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the occasion of World Assembly for Women in Tokyo two months ago saying, “We are assisting women around the world so that they can acquire skills and then use them to support family finances and become economically self-reliant. Japan intends to continue to support women as they take on challenges in every corner of the world.” He wished them all the best and hoped that the Economic Empowerment Centre for Women would improve the living standards of women and enhance job opportunities for the entire community.

Photographs

Governor Cyprian Awiti viewing the products made by women at the Empowerment Centre

Dinning Hall which will serve meetings in the Economic Empowerment Centre for Women

Performance by women group of Economic Empowerment Centre for Women

Mrs. Esther Soti, Director of Development Knowledge Link Africa, DEVLINK giving project over view

Mr. Julias Mokogi, Representative of Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Industrialization giving a speech.

Ms. Emily Ngetich, Representative of H.E Mrs. Rachel Ruto ( E.D of Joyful Women Organization)

Hon. Mr. Cyprian Awiti, Homa Bay County Governor expressing gratitude to Japan for the support