Strength of a Woman
Misfortunes are part of life. While some people encounter bitter seasons and fall into despair, others grow stronger and more resilient. Like eagles, they shed their old selves, leave their comfort zones, and rise to new heights. Every move becomes calculated, every decision intentional, knowing that a single misstep could mean a downfall. This is the story of Annastacia Muthoni.
Annastacia is a 41-year-old married woman and mother of four living in Gatongora, Ruiru. Although her formal education ended at Class Eight, her wisdom and reasoning extend far beyond her academic level. Life has not been easy. The family has struggled to meet basic needs such as food and school fees. Annastacia relied on laundry work, but the jobs were irregular and insufficient to sustain the household. Her husband works at construction sites, yet at times he can go for weeks without employment.
One of Annastacia’s greatest strengths is her gift of communication. She interacts confidently and expresses herself clearly. During one such interaction, she opened up to a woman about her challenges. The woman asked if she had ever heard of Macheo, an organization that supports needy families in finding sustainable solutions to their problems. Although relieved to learn about such support, Annastacia did not know how to reach them. Fortunately, the woman shared the contact of a Macheo area social worker, who later visited her home.
Annastacia was referred to the Family Economic Empowerment (FEE) program. From the very first phone conversation, the service provider noticed something unique about her. She gave precise directions and was punctual at the agreed meeting point. During the home visit, Annastacia was warm, open, and articulate. She required no prompting to answer questions.
It was during this conversation that the service provider learned that Annastacia had previously operated a successful food business in Kihunguro in 2020. She sold foodstuffs and had built a strong customer network. However, when COVID-19 struck, the hospitality industry was severely affected. Complying with government safety directives, she closed her business. Eventually, her savings were depleted, and with her husband also out of work, the family was left without a stable source of income.
Despite these hardships, Annastacia remained composed and level-headed. She made thoughtful decisions and actively participated in every step of the empowerment process, from follow-up calls and seminars to budgeting and purchasing. She had already enrolled in SHA and had no house rent arrears, demonstrating her sense of responsibility. During the home visit, the presence of several hens reflected her commitment to saving and investing in poultry. The only concern noted during intake was a £60 school fee debt at her children’s primary school.
Annastacia chose to start an uji (porridge) business at the by-pass. When her blender began to malfunction and required frequent repairs, she adapted quickly. She shifted to selling boiled maize, samosas, and smocha (delicious Kenyan street food with smoked sausage), relocating her business to Kamakis. Her determination was evident in how she mobilized resources to purchase a second-hand trolley and umbrella. She maintained consistent communication with the service provider, updating them on her progress.
Two months after receiving empowerment support, Annastacia proudly reported that she had cleared the outstanding school fee balance. She is now planning to add arrowroots to her stock in response to customer demand. Her first-born son is set to join a senior boarding secondary school in Murang’a, an achievement many parents struggle to attain even for day school.
Today, Annastacia’s family is happier and more stable. She provides for household needs and supports her husband during periods without work. Love and respect within the family have grown stronger as she contributes financially. Her husband has embraced and supported her entrepreneurial spirit, unlike some men in the community who believe a woman’s place is confined to the kitchen.
Annastacia’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding strength of a determined woman.