Government Lobbying

While working with a non-profit in Kisumu to build a community-owned water project, Nyanam’s founder Jackie noticed how widows were left behind in community projects, and their voices unheard and often treated with neglect and disrespect. In response to the fact that widows are typically excluded from local decision making, the widows and Nyanam have dedicated energy to government lobbying in three main sectors: general public participation, budgeting, and health. 

General Public Participation

Nyanam has encouraged the participation of widows in town halls, or what is referred to as baraza in Kenya, to ensure their voices are heard at the community level. 

Budgeting

As the government and local authorities go through the process of creating a budget, our widows and Nyanam have lobbied to ensure that the widows are included in the budget making process, and government programs are enacted which prioritize the widows' needs.

Health

In order to promote the wellbeing and health of the widows, we have had widows speak with the minister of health and present their case for health care support.