Meru women not just housewives

  1. Posted on Monday 23 March 2009 - 21:22
    Peris
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    Peris Wairimu, VoicesofAfrica mobile reporter in Meru, Kenya
    The Kionyo bakery based in Meru, Kenya, was started three years ago by a group of 120 women. With the help of MESICS, a Dutch charity supporting Meru women through the Catholic Church the bakery was fully established. The culture of Meru doesn't allow women to engage in other activities apart from domestic chores, and this bakery project is said to have revolutionized that aspect of the culture.
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    To end this gender bias the Catholic Church through sister Gemma Kathure decided to start income generating projects in favour of women. Some of these projects include construction of maize mills, provision of water tanks in dry areas, establishment of Catholic Women Association (CWA) Kionyo bakery, provision of computers to Girls’ Institutions, to name just a few.

    The bakery worth at least 2.5 Million Kenyan Shillings has reduced poverty in the area. The income of the 120 women has increased tremendously thus catering for their children education. Members of the association earn dividends once per year hence helping in improving their social status. This has proven that women can perform equally or better than men.