GROOTS


	KENYA
	GROOTS KENYA Let us be masters of our own destiny. GROOTS Kenya is a network of women self-help groups and community organizations in Kenya. It formed as a response to inadequate visibility of grassroots women in development and decision-making forums that directly impact them and their communities. GROOTS Kenya bridges this gap through initiatives that are community-centered and women-led. The network's objective is to "ensure that grassroots women are masters of their own destiny through their direct participation in decision making processes." Thus GROOTS Kenya's goal is to strengthen the role of grassroots women in community development by serving as a platform for grassroots women's groups and individuals to: come together, to share their ideas/experiences, to network and to find avenues to directly participate in decision making, planning, and implementation of issues that affect them. Our Vision: A society in which women and their communities participate effectively in their own development. Our Mission: To facilitate grassroots women and their communities to effectively participate in development processes. Strategies: Peer Learning Exchanges Amplifying the Voices of Grassroots Communities Capacity-Building Advocacy Outreach and Networking Program Areas Although GROOTS Kenya's work is centered around the lives and needs of Grassroots Women and therefore largely non-thematic, it accomplishes its goals through four main program areas: Community Responses to HIV/AIDS Women and Property Women's Leadership and Governance Community Resources and Livelihoods CONTACT GROOTS KENYA Back to Top Community Responses to HIV/AIDS The most effective response to HIV/AIDS among poor communities has been the strengthening of Home-Based Care. Communities have been able to recreate social networks to support care for the sick and the growing number of children orphaned by AIDS. These women volunteer their valuable time to care for and train their communities on HIV/AIDS. Other responses include: Support groups for people living with HIV and projects to assist orphans and vulnerable children. Back to Top Women and Property This program aims to increase the awareness ofthe issues surrounding property and inheritance of women and girls, and also to increase access to and quality of services available to address these issues. One of the most recognizable initiatives has been the formation of community "Watch Dog Groups." These groups monitor oand guard against property stripping for widows and orphans in communities. Back to Top Women's Leadership and Governance GROOTS Kenya aims to build the capacity of grassroots women to take leadership roles in their communities. This is accomplished through advocacy, trainings and mentorship. GROOTS Kenya also provides as many opportunities as possible for women and girls to experience and participate in national and international forums on topics and issues that directly affect their lives. Back to Top Community Resources and Livelihoods Sustainability and livelihood improvement are very important issues to all groups. GROOTS Kenya provides business training to build the capacities of group's members and also provides small grants and soft loans to assist in starting up small individual or collective enterprises in the communities. Back to Top For More Information on GROOTS Kenya: American Jewish World Service Community AIDS Watch Report Contact: GROOTS Kenya Esther Mwaura PO Box 10320-GPO Nairobi, Kenya 2542718977 or 254-27-783640 grootsk@grootskenya.org Back to Top