Marwa Abubakar Sheikh’s Journey: A Story of Resilience and Hope through the Cash Transfer Program

Marwa Abubakar Sheikh, a resilient 50-year-old woman living in Bula Kamor B, embodies strength and determination. Her life, surrounded by the everyday sights and sounds of her vibrant community, is a blend of challenges and perseverance. The chatter of children playing, neighbors conversing, and livestock roaming are the backdrop to her daily struggles and triumphs.

Before disaster struck, Marwa supported her large family by cooking and selling snacks like chips and samosas at local schools and community events. Her home was filled with the aroma of her delicious creations, and her earnings, though modest, provided for her five children and eight grandchildren. However, the deteriorating economy and skyrocketing costs rendered her small business unsustainable. Her husband’s battle with diabetes further strained their resources, leaving Marwa as the primary caregiver, reliant on the kindness of neighbors to survive.

In the midst of these struggles, an unforeseen calamity hit: floods ravaged their community in the dead of night. The disaster left Marwa’s family devastated, stripping away their meager means of sustenance and plunging them into deeper hardship. Hope seemed a distant memory.

Marwo Abubakar Sheikh lovingly prepares a meal for her family at their cherished homestead.

The Turning Point: Cash Transfer Program

Amidst this turmoil, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a two-month cash transfer program funded by the Canadian Humanitarian Fund through Oxfam in Kenya and implemented by the Pastoralist Girls Initiative. Marwa was one of the 305 beneficiaries who received 12,109 Kenya shillings. This financial assistance was more than just a lifeline; it was the catalyst for transformation.

With the cash she received, Marwa made a strategic decision to invest in a donkey cart. This simple yet powerful choice marked the beginning of a new chapter for her family. The donkey cart became a source of steady income, generating around 700 shillings daily. On days when she hired out the cart, she earned an additional 400 shillings. This newfound financial stability allowed Marwa to provide for her family, ensuring that her grandchildren had food on the table and a brighter future. 

Marwo Abubakar Sheikh stands proudly beside her trusty donkey cart, a symbol of her resilience

Marwa’s Story in Her Own Words

Reflecting on her journey, Marwa shares her story with heartfelt gratitude:

“The flood came to us unaware in the middle of the night. It was terrifying. Before the floods, I used to cook chips and snacks like samosas and sell them at schools and where there were events like Barazas. But lately, the economy is tough; everything is expensive, and I couldn’t continue with the business. I became just a stay-at-home wife. My husband is sick; he has diabetes and can’t work like before. We just survive with what we get from the neighbors.

When I got enrolled in the two-month cash program funded by the Canadian Humanitarian Fund through Oxfam in Kenya and implemented by the Pastoralist Girls Initiative, it was like a light at the end of a dark tunnel. With the 12,109 Kenya shillings, I managed to buy a donkey cart. Now, I at least get 700 shillings every day from the donkey cart business, which helps me feed my family. It’s not only me who works using the donkey cart; sometimes I hire it out and get 400 shillings.

This project has given me hope and a way to support my family. It means everything to me because, without it, we would have continued to struggle every day. Now, I can see a future where my grandchildren have food on the table, and we have a steady source of income. I am deeply grateful for the support, and I hope more people in our situation can receive this kind of help.”

Marwo Abubakar Sheikh’s donkey, affectionately named PGI, a tribute to the life-changing support from the Pastoralist Girls Initiative.

The Broader Impact

Marwa’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of the cash transfer program. As one of 305 beneficiaries, she highlights how targeted financial assistance can empower individuals, fostering resilience and providing a pathway out of poverty. The success of the program is evident not only in the improved living conditions of Marwa’s family but also in the renewed hope and dignity it has brought to their lives.

By enabling Marwa to invest in a sustainable livelihood, the program has done more than provide temporary relief; it has facilitated lasting change. Marwa’s story underscores the importance of such initiatives in helping vulnerable communities rebuild and thrive. Her journey from despair to hope is a shining example of the transformative power of humanitarian aid.

Marwo Abubakar Sheikh surrounded by the love of her six granddaughters at their homestead.