What Makes Nyanam Unique?
In Dholuo, “Nyanam” translates directly to “daughter of the lake.” Culturally, “Nyanam” is used as a term of endearment for women from the Lake Victoria region; the term thus captures both the place and the people that our work focuses on.
Nyanam’s programs are guided by the widows we serve, and aim to address the challenges that the widows are not able to immediately resolve themselves. Nyanam does not elevate one issue above the others since we are focused on providing holistic support for widows and their families with a person-centered approach. Based on the women’s stories and sentiments, we recognize that these issues are equally important and interconnected.
Why our widows think Nyanam is unique:
“After my husband died, my house also got burnt with everything in it. I only had one piece of clothing that I escaped the fire with… One day, a fellow woman came to visit me and said she had seen my problems. She built a new house for me and put my children through school. She helped change my life, and now through leadership circles, I can help others, too. I am gaining the confidence in myself that I did not have before. I am grateful that I can share my experiences to encourage other widows.”
- Syprosa
Mary noted that when Nyanam’s leadership circles meet she is taught, comforted, challenged, encouraged, and changed.
“We have centralized the word of God in our meetings. It is what makes the leadership circles unique from other women groups that I have been part of, which focus solely on material development. When we meet, we read the word of God, and one of us teaches on the word.
We have witnessed behaviour changes among us. Some widows have stopped brewing or getting drunk on alcohol when we confronted the impact of our businesses and lifestyles on our lives and our children. We also share our personal problems for advice and material support where needed. I have sisters to lean on in.”
- Mary
“When I heard that an organization working with widows was creating new groups in my community, I had to be there. Widows need capacity-building work that will help them carry themselves with dignity, believe in the things they can accomplish, and rise above attitudes and norms that devalue their lives. I am so happy Nyanam is doing this work.”
- Gladys
Why our team thinks Nyanam is unique:
“The niche widows have been neglected for quite a long period. Here we are bringing them onboard, enlightening them to rise, shine, and lead. Now they are getting their neglected space.”
- Beryl, Volunteer
“Nyanam brings the power within (widows) to be able to say yes or no from a point of knowledge.”
- Pastor Eunice
“One, Nyanam values capacity building. Two, Nyanam not only handles problems widows pass through, but also thinks about the causes of their problems. Third, Nyanam looks for the holistic well-being of a widow. Fourth, Nyanam believes in retrieving the strength of widows.”