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Nairobi, Kenya
Eilene* grew up in a large family of subsistence farmers with seven siblings in the heart of Kisii’s rural landscapes. At 20, Eilene became a mother and a second child soon followed. She faced a turbulent marriage which dissolved. In the following years, Eilene had four more children with her second husband and worked hard to make ends meet through casual employment. At the age of 40, Eilene was diagnosed with HIV. Her husband placed great shame and blame on Eilene, unwilling to admit his indiscretions.
Eilene arrived in Nairobi in 2021. She found herself connected with the Ruben Centre, and through their programs, Eilene gained access to financial literacy seminars and participated in a cash-for-work program. This support not only brought stability to her life but also empowered her to seek counselling for the emotional abuse she faced in her marriages.
With newfound strength, Eilene is determined to make a difference. Inspired by the charcoal briquette project at Ruben Centre, she plans to introduce a similar initiative in her community in Kisii. By utilising local resources like clay soil and charcoal dust, Eilene aims to create a sustainable livelihood while promoting environmental conservation.
Her ambitions don’t stop there. Eilene wants to be a voice for women facing abuse and living with HIV in her community. Through open conversations and support networks, she hopes to empower others to break free from the cycle of abuse and stigma.
Her goals are clear: to start her own charcoal briquette business, support her children’s education, and secure a home for her family. With the financial literacy skills she’s gained, Eilene is ready to take charge of her future and is saving seed capital for her business venture. She believes that she can help other women by having more candid discussions about HIV, supporting survivors of abuse, and empowering each other to build a brighter future.
*Not their real name
In Mukuru, families face poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion making it hard to provide stability and opportunity for their children. Without support, skills, and pathways to employment, this hardship passes from one generation to the next.
The Social Economic Empowerment through Education (SEETE) Project, delivered by Ruben Centre, helps families break this cycle by building resilience and creating pathways to employment.
