Coalition on Violence against Women( COVAW) organization is empowering women and youths whose businesses were affected by COVID 19 pandemic as a way to curb the rising numbers of GBV cases in the area.

The empowerment program that is taking place in Msambweni, Lungalunga and Kinango constituencies is meant to assist in assisting vulnerable business members in the communities.

Speaking to journalists during an interview COVAW program officer Sandra Chivumbe she said that the initiative comes after Aga Khan foundation, the donor came up with the proposal of assisting vulnerable women in the community whose businesses were struck by COVID-19 pandemic.

"Most of these women and youths lost their jobs and business making the cases of Gender Based violence (GBV) in the community rise due to stress, and as an organisation we are working to make sure the numbers of GBV cases in society are minimal,"Chivumbe said.  

Chivumbe noted that they chose on having the program in the 3 constituencies due to the high numbers of GBV cases recorded from the areas.

She also said that the initiative INUA MAMA, JENGA JAMII has assisted over 40 women and youths where we have issued cooler boxes, parasols among other equipments that will assist the small scale business women.

"In the small scale businesses we are mainly targeting fish mongers, groceries, fruit vendors, small kiosks among others," Chivumbe said.

AbdulMajid Mwinyi a community social service provider also stated that with Covaw and other organizations they have been creating awareness on GBV amongst community and how it can be tackled.

"We also give skills on how one can improve their businesses by acquiring loans from micro finance Enterprise," Mwinyi said.

He noted that cases of GBV currently improved in the area compared to previous years due to the various engagement done by organisations.

"There is an improvement of GBV cases compared to past years and we can say that since most organisations have come up with engagement and sensitization programs these cases are nowadays days being reported to relevant authorities for action," he said.

Sofia Abdalla a fruits vendor and also a beneficiary of the program said that the skills she has received are very important and they will assist her boost business.

"The sensitization program we have gone through are of great importance and when we apply them in our businesses then we will get a boost and enlarge it," she said.