Supporting women going through separation and divorce

4 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who follow Him, that I may know how to give strength when I speak to one who is tired.   Book of Isaiah 50:4

Divorce. Is. Devastating. Even for those of us doing the filing, or asking to end the relationship … or trying to rebuild after the BIG AFTER … we all experience it. Varying degrees of personal devastation.And facing divorce in Kenya as a woman, is fraught with overwhelming challenges, pushing many women into depression.

The excerpt from my book, “An African Woman’s Story of Divorce in Kenya,” powerfully captures the overwhelming hardship women face during separation and divorce in patriarchal African societies.  

Intimidation, oppression, emotional turmoil, and a lack of guidance are all too common experiences.  

The complexities of the legal system, coupled with financial concerns and the stigma surrounding divorce, often leave women feeling powerless and unprepared.

In 2024, (we are only in March!) at least 16 Kenyan women have tragically lost their lives allegedly at the hands of their partners. I too could was one step away from being killed by my ex-spouse. 

These traumatic  and heartbreaking stories highlight the urgent need for justice, awareness, and the support to help women separate and leave their abusive spouses.

For those women going through marital separation, the heartbreaking reality is that many women abandon the pursuit of divorce altogether due to these immense challenges.  They are left without closure, struggling to heal and rebuild their lives.

This narrative underscores the urgent need for practical, financial, and mental wellness assistance for these women. Without intervention, they remain trapped in cycles of oppression and despair.  This is where our project steps in.  We believe no woman should face this journey alone and churches need to change their patriarchal and oppressive attitude towards women who find themselves either thrown out of their homes because of refusal to be abused in their marriages by their spouses.

(attach the youtube video on ‘how I was abandoned by my church …..)

We recognize the immense challenges these women face and are committed to empowering them to navigate this difficult time with faith, strength, and resilience while building strength and hope into a brighter future.

The Resilient Bloom Workshops & Group Therapy 

Powerful and impactful programs that serve women in our community during various stages of divorce. Our goal is to foster a community with multiple opportunities to lift each other and help each other move forward.

From expert-led workshops on  ‘what every woman needs to know about divorce’ to trauma, high-conflict divorces, parenting, stress management, loneliness, making it through the holidays, self-care, and group support/therapy are some of the activities.

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2.  Breaking the Silence of Divorce in Churches

Divorce rates in Kenya are rising, often leaving a devastating impact on families.  Unfortunately, these discussions are often shrouded in secrecy and shame, particularly within churches.  This silence prevents open dialogue about the root causes of divorce, such as patriarchal structures, infidelity, and domestic abuse. 

The consequences are far-reaching, with women often facing depression, social stigma, and financial hardship.  Children, frequently overlooked in these situations, experience emotional trauma, instability, and the absence of a strong paternal figure.

This project is committed to strengthening families by fostering open and honest conversations about divorce within the Kenyan church community.  Through educational talks held in churches across Kenya, we aim to:

• Open discussions on talking about divorce and the role churches play.
• Express concern about the way churches sometimes handle divorce, pushing families away instead of offering support.
• Raise awareness about the prevalence of divorce and its root causes.
• The trauma and devastating effects on families, especially women and children
• Shift the narrative surrounding divorce from shame to open discussion, understanding and compassion.
• Equip church leaders to offer compassionate support to families facing separation and divorce.

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How Donors Help:

The Urgency of Support:

Donor support is crucial in providing the necessary resources to help these women rebuild their lives, navigate the legal complexities of divorce, and heal from the emotional trauma they endure. 

With your help, we can empower these women to overcome the obstacles they face and emerge from divorce stronger, resilient, and hope for the future.

Your generous contribution will directly benefit women, families and Churches in Kenya by:

• Helping Break the stigma and oppressive treatment put on women going through divorce.
• Empowering churches to become a source of support for families in crisis.
• Equipping women with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate divorce with strength and dignity.
• Protecting children from the emotional and social fallout of family breakdown.
• Promoting healing and fostering a more supportive church community for all.
• By reducing the numbers of families and women affected by depression
• churches become a beacon of hope for families facing divorce in Kenya.

Investing in this project is an investment in building stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for women and children in Kenya and churches can become a beacon of hope for families facing divorce in Kenya.