Empowering Survivors of Exploitative domestic work on home management skills

In Kakamega County, the harsh economic realities have forced many young girls from impoverished families into exploitative domestic work. With limited employment opportunities, these girls often find themselves in situations where they are underpaid, overworked, and subjected to poor working conditions. Recognizing this pressing issue, WE REACH with the support of Freedom Fund through the NIA program has initiated a transformative Home Management course aimed at empowering survivors of exploitative domestic work with professional skills and knowledge to secure better job opportunities and advocate for fair compensation.

The three-day intensive Home Management course, conducted by the Capacity Training Institute (CTI) in Kakamega Town and certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), trained 30 survivors, equipping them with essential home management skills. These skills range from operating modern kitchen appliances like microwave ovens and blenders to mastering culinary techniques such as marinating chicken. Snidah Atieno, the chairlady of the survivors' network, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I would like to appreciate WE REACH for training us on home management skills. We now have the skills we need during domestic work periods; some of us now know how to operate many kitchenwares and marinate chicken."

The significance of this training cannot be overstated. It provides the survivors with a professional edge, enhancing their employability and enabling them to negotiate for better wages and working conditions. As Benard Namusasi, the principal of CTI, noted, "The work WE REACH is doing for the community, especially for girls and women who have survived exploitation, is commendable." He suggested the possibility of providing attachment opportunities in local hotels to further solidify their training.

However, logistical and financial constraints pose challenges to these follow-up plans. As the director of WE REACH explained, there are currently no resources to facilitate daily travel from the village to town for internships. Despite these hurdles, WE REACH remains committed to supporting these survivors through the formation of a survivor network, which has already elected its leaders.

This initiative seeks additional financial support to ensure comprehensive integration of the survivors into the job market. Extending the training period would also allow more time for practical skill development, addressing the request from Snidah Atieno for longer training durations.

For a more substantial impact, collaboration with local and national government bodies, as well as donor organizations, is crucial. Financial support and logistical assistance would enable the expansion of this program to reach more survivors across Kakamega County. By providing these young women with the necessary skills and opportunities, we can help break the cycle of exploitation and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

‘This Home Management course is more than just a training program; it is a lifeline for survivors of domestic work exploitation in the County. With continued support and collaboration, we have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of these survivors, ensuring they are equipped, supported, and empowered to achieve sustainable livelihoods’ Linzy Otieno Program Officer