Lived Experiences of Widows in Kabula Ward, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

This study seeks to understand and document the lived experiences of widows and to analyze the effectiveness of existing statutory laws and policies protecting widows in Kabula Ward, Bungoma County. The study carries out an in-depth understanding of widows’ experiences using a phenomenological approach. The study explores how demographic characteristics, such as age, education, widowhood duration, and occupation shape widowhood experiences, the social, cultural, psychological, and economic experiences of different widows after bereavement, survival strategies widows employ to cope with the experiences, support systems available for widows and how existing statutory laws and policies protect widow’s rights. The study examines the experiences of 20 widows who are at least one year in widowhood living in Kabula Ward. The study incorporates the theory of intersectionality which examines how various axes of differences intertwine to shape widows’ experiences while the theory of gender and power is included to help in exploring the role and position of widows in Kabula ward, and community more broadly. In-depth interviews and key-informant interviews were used to collect data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in verbatim excerpts. Study findings show that widows’ experiences vary with age, level of education, cause of spouse death, duration of marriage before spouse died, and type of occupation. These factors intersect to create both positive and negative experiences for widows. The study also establishes that despite widows facing negative experiences, they also exhibit positive experiences in widowhood. Social, cultural, economic, and psychological challenges are experienced; however, most widows engage in different activities and adopt various coping strategies to ensure their families’ well-being. Informal support networks such as family, church, self-help groups, and widow inheritance while formal support networks such as government and microfinance institutions are widely adopted to cope with widowhood challenges. Additionally, the study reveals that legal frameworks enacted to protect widows are not fully utilized due to lack of legal awareness among widows, the presence of customary laws, and high court fees, thus complicating widows’ access to justice. Therefore, to empower widows, the study recommends the sensitization of widows on existing legal frameworks to protect and promote their rights, the development of social and economic programs to improve widows’ living standards, and the provision of counselling services to promote their psychological well-being.