Women leading the way in climate resilience and sustainability

Mama Zulfa, a resident of Matondoni village in Lamu, vividly describes her journey with the Lamu Women Alliance that led her to realise the opportunities within the ocean’s embrace. Unlike now, she said that the ocean-related business was solely a domain for men. Through LAWA, these women are now aware that the ocean is a vital economic and natural resource that needs to be protected.

“I have a family of 3 children, and I am proud that I can take care of my family as a woman through mangrove restoration. At first, I did not think mangrove restoration could really pay, but with time, through attending LAWA’s training and workshops, we were able to form groups that focus on mangrove restoration. Today, many people in Lamu buy mangrove seedlings from us. The county government also supports us by buying our seedlings, too.

As a woman, I am more than happy when I take care of these mangroves not just because I benefit from it economically but because I am taking good care of the environment too, even for the future generation. In fact, amidst us conserving these mangroves, we also do beekeeping. Mangrove honey is highly valuable; therefore, we are always motivated in restoration.”

Zulfa’s sentiments about the Lamu Women Alliance were supported by another Matondoni resident –  Nuru Said. Nuru received training through workshops from LAWA on techniques of sustainable kitchen gardening, enabling her to cultivate a variety of nutritious crops.

Nuru, who loves listening to the radio as she tends to her kitchen garden, tells us how she is more concerned about the FLLOCA programme than before.

“I heard about the FLLOCA programme in a show. Mama Raya was discussing with a county government official, Mr Mbuthia. They explained about the programme and how a resident of Lamu, especially women, can grab these opportunities. I was intrigued by the show, and from that, I have been doing follow-ups at a personal level to make sure that I don’t miss such opportunities. I am glad that, again, the Lamu Women Alliance enlightened us on such a great opportunity.”

Through the efforts of LAWA, we are ensuring that women unlock the treasure of their natural surroundings and opportunities around them, proving that sustainable practices can yield both profit and prosperity.