November 2023 Jiinue Women Hub Meeting

November 2023 Jiinue Women Hub Meeting

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On 23 November 2023, a meeting was held for the Nairobi and Environs Food Security, Agriculture and Landscape Forum (NEFSALF) Jiinue Women Hub. The meeting was convened by Mazingira Institute and was attended by 24 participants, consisting of NEFSALF members, representatives from the Gender and Inclusivity Department, NCC and National Housing Cooperative. The meeting was organized for all women under NEFSALF to provide an opportunity for the women to learn more about Jiinue Women Hub and its activities.

Present Hub Activities

Judy Mwangi, Project Assistant, Mazingira Institute

The first presentation focused on the Hub’s past and present activities. Judy Mwangi, Project Assistant at Mazingira Institute, shared that the Hub was formed in 2013 and applies a gender lens in its urban agriculture and food system activities. The hub is registered as a cooperative society with the National Cooperative Housing Union (NACHU) and as a community-based organization called Jiinue Women Hub. It raises funds through table banking and plans to purchase land through NACHU in the future. Each member undertakes the Urban Agriculture and Food System training provided by Mazingira Institute in collaboration with Nairobi City County. This makes them kindred spirits as they have a common goal.

 

History of the Hub

“The hub’s name Jiinue is derived from the Swahili language which means “raise yourself up”. The hub members settled on this name which is indicative of their effort to build each other up. As a testament, many hub members have benefitted from the platform’s activities.”

Esther Maina, Jiinue Women Hub Coordinator

Esther Maina, Jiinue Women Hub Coordinator, spoke about the Hub’s growth and formative years. When the hub initially started its members used to contribute Kshs. 200 regularly. They did this utilizing a merry-go-round saving structure where each member contributes a small sum of money to a kitty fund that is then paid out to one of the members. Later, the idea of saving funds collectively, engaging in table banking, and acquiring property looked more rewarding and thus the members decided to register the group as a community-based organization and cooperative society.

“Today I am proud of all the progress that the women in the hub have made. Everyone starts with training and evolves into something greater.”

Esther Maina, Jiinue Women Hub Coordinator

NACHU

The hub also saves money with the National Cooperative Housing Union (NACHU). The hub members decided to start saving with NACHU because they wanted to learn about housing and property acquisition. NACHU is an affordable housing provider in Kenya, delivering strong growth in housing solutions to transform people’s lives. Jimmy Mahiri, Housing Finance Regional Manager at NACHU, joined us and shared a presentation on land and housing. He spoke about the guiding principles of cooperative societies, informing any possible new members about the ideologies behind the Women Hub. He explained that cooperative societies are characterized by voluntary and open membership, economic participation by members, autonomy and independence, collective decision-making, and more. He shared that the goal of housing cooperatives is to provide adequate access to land and housing. A society thus must ensure this is achieved. A good example of this is the Jiinue Women Hub. 

“Jiinue Women Hub’s goal is to empower its members. This vision was born out of a very noble desire. Back in 2013, the hub members approached me for guidance on how best to attain this. We thought, what if the hub was able to purchase land and subdivide the same amongst its members? Wouldn’t that be a step closer to the vision? If everyone owns a piece of land or housing property and doesn’t have to pay rent in these tough economic times, then empowerment is not far off. Today the hub is taking great strides.”

Jimmy Mahiri, Housing Finance Regional Manager, NACHU

Group Dynamics

Mercy Wanjohi, Gender and Inclusivity Department, NCC, spoke about group dynamics and the different factors that impact groups positively and negatively. She explained how all groups go through five main stages including formation, storming which is characterized by heightened tensions, normalizing, performing, and adjourning. She went on to explain several guidelines that groups can follow to effectively manage themselves which are:

  1. Establishing a clear goal.
  2. Focusing activities on the goal.
  3. Maintaining harmony by promoting democratic rules and encouraging each other.
  4. Promoting a conducive atmosphere for respect.
  5. Setting up proper channels of communication to facilitate information flow.
  6. Maintaining group norms.

This discussion helped future and current Women Hub members understand the typical dynamics and how to build a successful group.

“Effective teams are made up of people with different skills. Fulfilling group commitments, being transparent, standing in the gap, and avoiding gossip is key. Don’t be domineering, imposing or a procrastinator. Instead, be prayerful, accountable, motivated, and bask in your shared purpose.”

Mercy Wanjohi, Gender and Inclusivity Department, NCC

Reflections on gender dynamics from a practical perspective

Margaret Mburu, Jiinue Women Hub member, continued the discussion on group dynamics from a practical perspective. She gave insight into the different types of members that are found within groups. Different personality types have the potential to both aid and cause a group to stumble. It is important to be aware of these various personalities and learn how to work together for the good of the group. She explained that adaptation takes time and that leadership is therefore critical in this regard.

Margaret Mburu, Jiinue Women Hub member

Recruitment into Jiinue Women Hub

The Women Hub chairperson, Elizabeth Kamari, closed the meeting by speaking on the recruitment process for new members and the way forward. To join the group new prospective members must fulfill certain requirements such as providing documentation and registration fees. The members are then able to contribute a minimum of Kshs. 1,000 to the monthly savings, contributing to their personal financial security and helping the group reach its goal of owning land.

“Jiinue Women Hub’s vision is to buy properties or land for all its members. We intend to buy plots of land and build houses. That’s the only way forward.”

Elizabeth Kamari, Jiinue Women Hub Chairperson

Written by Sarah Syptak on December 14, 2023.

The Jiinue Women Hub meeting was an activity of the Women’s Spaces Project, an initiative of Mazingira Institute and Rooftops Canada Abri-International, executed with the financial support of the government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

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