WA-WA Kenya

About us

WA-WA Kenya exists to address the intersection of poverty, gender inequality, and health vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the fishing communities of Homa Bay, Kenya. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), poverty levels in regions around Lake Victoria range from 35% to 45%, disproportionately affecting women and girls engaged in small-scale fishing and related livelihoods. These women face significant challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation through the Jaboya system, where transactional sex is exchanged for fish. This harmful practice not only perpetuates economic dependency but also exposes them to high rates of HIV/AIDS, with some areas reporting HIV prevalence as high as 20-30% among women in fishing communities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The combination of poverty, exploitation, and health risks limits their opportunities to improve their livelihoods, access education, and break free from cycles.