Tuimarike Wanadada

The “TUIMARIKE, WANADADA” (LET'S GET EMPOWERED, WOMEN AND GIRLS) program focuses on health, feminism, and climate change.

In Kisumu county, Kenya, there has been encroachment of the Dunga wetlands by human beings for socio-economic activities. This has led to a reduction in the production of fish, due to the destruction of their breeding ground. Deforestation has also led to receding water levels. Women and girls living by the shores of Lake Victoria in Dunga Beach can fall prey of Sexual Health and Rights Violations because of these climate change effects. Women and girls searching for water for domestic use can fall prey to predators who lure them for sex in exchange for water or fish. Menstrual hygiene of women and girls is also at stake due to a lack of toilets and poor drainage and sanitation. Disposal of sanitary products in the lake also affects the life of aquatic animals.

ATE’s program Tuimarike Wanadada uses Performing Arts and Media as an innovative tool of influencing change and dialogue due to its participatory nature. ATE employs Participatory Educational Theatre (PET) in creating dialogue with women, girls and stakeholders in relation to their health and the effects of climate change on the shores of Lake Victoria.

This program also involves men, and other community members in discussing the plight of women and girls regarding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Through this initiative and our Storytelling for Change program we tend to bring the community together under one roof for a discussion on women and girls' health, while men and boys are also given a chance to take lead role in this transformational journey towards gender equality and equity.