NAIROBI, Kenya – Stung by the challenges that widows in Kenya face, Nguvu Change Leader Nelly Andeso is now calling upon the government to come to their aid.
Andeso highlighted some of these challenges as disrespect and property taken (land, houses, cars, companies, etc.).
“In other cases, children are taken away; some are sent away because they are seen as the cause of their son’s demise. Others are treated as outcasts by the relatives and called names that aren’t pleasing to mention,” said Andeso.
In an interview with Y News, Andeso disclosed that while growing up, she witnessed widowed women treated harshly.
“But it didn’t hit until it was happening to someone close to me, and I saw the pain and agony in their eyes. It seemed like when the spouse is dead, then the wife ceases to be important or of value, and that was my breaking point,” she explained.
How widows are despised in their communities
In her petition, Andeso talks about widows being stripped of property and dignity.
“Power from the remaining relatives who feel entitled to the deceased, who knows who. Often widows have been perceived as weak, and this brings forth the stripping of property and dignity,” Andeso added.
Even as she urged the government to support widow groups, Andeso observed that mental health awareness amongst the widows is an essential aspect.
“Some of them are young and are very suicidal. So, the government can establish saccos where these women can benefit and be able to provide for their children, and self-defence mechanisms to be taught in case of any attacks from the family. Bring forth projects that align with the talents these women have to make some money from it,” explained Andeso.
Andeso believes that her petition and advocacy work can help shift public perception and start new conversations around widowhood in Kenya.
“Widows are also humans; they aren’t lesser because they lost someone. Grief doesn’t choose a door to knock on; it happens, and thus we should embrace these women with the love they deserve and comfort them,” she said.
Why widows should be respected
Andeso noted that it is important to frame widows as heads of households.
“The man is seen as the head and the woman as the neck; the head is out; now the neck should take charge. Giving these women a chance to lead their families shows respect for boundaries and also gives them the power to stand in the gap for the children,” Andeso said.
She further told Y News that denial means division of the family (mom and kids).
“There will be tension created and fear when someone comes in between forcefully. It lowers the self-esteem of both the mom and children as they feel rejected and left out,” she went on.
Finally, Andeso urged county leaders and national policymakers to stand in unison and make a difference.
“Women can and have the power to make a change, given the chance to. Let us change the narrative of widow harassment because everything is changing; instead, let us discuss the way forward for a greater nation,” said the activist.
