By Oxfam GB | Project Officer
Entrenched retrogressive cultural norms have perpetuated harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), further compounding the challenges faced by women and girls in Marsabit. According to Godana Wario, the Community Resource Person at MWADO, at least 15 GBV cases are reported at their office in a month.
Asili, 42, is a single mother of five children. She lives in Marsabit town with her children after her husband divorced her. She was 21 years old when she got married.
“The issue I had with my husband was that he was not providing for the family... He left me and went to marry someone else. My children were too young. I was left without anything. I went through so many challenges just to raise my children,” Asili shares, her voice heavy with emotion. “I used to wash clothes for people and that is how I was able to provide for my children. Now, two have finished high school, one is in college, another is in secondary school and my last born is in primary school.”
In April 2024, Asili and 14 other survivors formed a group under the guidance of MWADO. The 15 women each received KSh. 20,000 to invest in economic activities of their choice. Asili decided to start a groceries business that same month and, eight months later, she is proud of the work she does and even more glad that she does not struggle so much to provide for her children.
“When I was given the money, I paid KSh. 5,000 for rent, bought stock with the remaining amount and began a grocery shop. Later on, I started a chips business. I have been saving my profit since April 2024 and that is how I have managed to even pay school fees for my children.”
The cash grant was more than just financial assistance – it was a lifeline that reignited their hope and gave them a renewed sense of possibility. “On behalf of other women who have received support from MWADO and Oxfam, I am grateful. We have been uplifted,” says Asili, her smile soft but full of joy.
Further up the road from where Asili lives and works, a 10-member farm group – Links Youth Group – also received a grant of KSh. 241,000. Led by 30-year-old Guyo, the group found strength in supporting each other and working together to sell farm produce.
“We received KSh. 241,000 from MWADO and it has helped us so much. We did not have a fence for our farm, so we put up one, complete with a gate that has our name on it. We put together a greenhouse which has helped in keeping away the monkeys that would come to destroy our crops, built a store, and employed someone to look after our farm at night. We have two water tanks, 5000 litres each which we use when the water levels reduce in the stream.”
They now grow kale and spinach, cultivate tree species, harvest and sell honey, and engage in poultry farming. All sales go to a paybill account, and profits are distributed annually.
MWADO also provided training on financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the harmful effects of FGM and child marriage.
“We have been taught a lot, even though most of us cannot read or write. We have received different trainings about FGM and how we are not supposed to allow our girls to go through it or be married off early. We have been taught about the rights of women and children and about good agricultural practices,” says Habiba, a member of Qarqab Women group in Badasa Haro.
The stories of Asili and Links Youth Group reflect the transformative power of opportunity. The cash grants did not just rebuild livelihoods – they restored hope. In a region burdened with challenges, young people and survivors are proving that given the right support, they can rise, inspire, and lead their communities toward a better future.
Hunger Crisis in East Africa: Oxfam’s Reach and Impact
As of 30 May 2025, 30.1 million people across four countries are experiencing IPC 3+ hunger levels:
Kenya: 2.8 million people (17% of the population)
Ethiopia: 15 million people* (13%)
Somalia: 4.6 million people (24%)
South Sudan: 7.7 million people (57%)
Between February 2022 and March 2025, Oxfam reached a total of 2,619,604 people in these countries.
Reach by Country (Individuals):
Kenya: 357,240
Ethiopia: 377,742
Somalia: 331,823
South Sudan: 1,552,789
Country Highlights:
Ethiopia: Interventions across Afar, Somali, and Oromia regions focus on cross-border resilience, drought response, and flood recovery.
Kenya: Programmes in eight Arid Semi-Arid Land counties; flood response and cross-border pastoralist recovery in Marsabit and Borana (Ethiopia).
South Sudan: Support across Jonglei State including 22 schools, alongside WFP partnerships.
Somalia: Programming across most regions, including Mogadishu, Puntland, Jubaland, and SSC-Khatumo.
Help Us Do More
Millions in East Africa still face hunger, displacement, and climate shocks. Your support enables Oxfam to reach more people with lifesaving aid and long-term solutions.
Donate today to support communities in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. Together, we can sow seeds for a more just and resilient future.
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