Project Overview:
The WA-WA project, co-funded by Wilde Ganzen, Overal Stichting, and individual donors, aims to empower women fishmongers from Rusinga Island by training them in boat making and fishing techniques. This initiative seeks to create sustainable income opportunities for these women, changing their roles within the community and reducing their reliance on risky practices such as “sex for fish,” all while addressing the impacts of poverty and gender inequality.

Current Progress:

1. Training Modules Completed:
   • Soft Skills Training: All ten women have engaged in training focused on confidence building, teamwork, self-esteem, communications, and sexual and reproductive health rights. This foundational training has led to significant improvements in their confidence levels.
   • Boat Construction Training: The participants have learned the basics of boat construction, including understanding boat types, measurements, and safety procedures. Key skills developed include timber cutting and boat balancing.
   • Entrepreneurial Skills Development: Training on table banking, savings, loaning, business management, bookkeeping, and marketing has been successfully completed. These skills are vital for the women’s future business endeavors.
2. Current Status of Training:
   • As of now, swimming, engine management, fishing techniques, and boat painting have not yet been addressed. However, the boat construction is nearing completion, with expectations to receive the engine by the end of next month.
3. Loan Accessibility:
   • Each of the 10 women has accessed loans ranging between KSH 20,000 to KSH 40,000 through the table banking initiative. This financial support is proving beneficial, with some women utilizing the funds for their children’s school fees, demonstrating responsible and forward-thinking financial decisions.

Changes Observed in the Community:

1. Increased Confidence:
   • The participants are exhibiting heightened confidence, with 9 out of the 10 women actively participating and communicating effectively in community beach meetings.
2. Financial Empowerment:
   • Access to loans has positively impacted the women’s ability to invest in their businesses, promoting economic stability for their families.

Challenges Identified:

1. Training Duration:
   • The training process is taking longer than anticipated. This is due to the technical nature of the skills being taught and the availability of the trainers.
2. Desire for Speed:
   • Many women have expressed a desire to expedite the boat setup to begin earning income sooner. While their enthusiasm is commendable, it is essential to prioritize skill acquisition as the primary objective of the project.

Next Steps:

1. Complete Remaining Training Modules:
   • Focus on swimming, engine management, fishing techniques, and boat painting during the upcoming training period.
2. Finalize Boat Setup:
   • Coordinate the painting and installation of the engine once received. The launching of the boat is scheduled for the graduation event in December.
3. Continued Mentorship:
   • Ongoing mentorship and support will be provided to the women to assist them in transitioning into their new roles as boat owners and fishers effectively.
4. Community Engagement:
   • Work on strengthening community support for the women, ensuring continued involvement from local leaders and male counterparts to foster an inclusive environment for female empowerment.

Conclusion: The WA-WA project is progressing well towards empowering women fishmongers on Rusinga Island. With ongoing training, financial support, and a community engaged in fostering gender equality, significant positive changes are already visible. While challenges in the training timeline persist, the commitment to skill acquisition remains a priority to ensure the long-term success of the beneficiaries. Further updates will be provided as the project continues to evolve.