In the remote village of Gaciongo in Tharaka North, Tharaka Nithi County, a powerful story of resilience and determination is unfolding. A group of ten women, including single mothers, have defied societal expectations and physical hardship by engaging in the gravel trade, a labor-intensive and physically demanding occupation that has enabled them to provide for their families and ensure their children receive an education.
For these women, the gravel trade was not a path they willingly chose but one forced upon them by the relentless pressures of providing for their families in an area with limited job opportunities. The absence of sustainable employment in Tharaka North left them with few options, pushing them into the backbreaking work of preparing and selling gravel to contractors and builders as a last resort.
“We wanted to avoid becoming desperate or begging in our community,” one of the women explained. “Working gave us a sense of dignity and purpose.”
Their hard work under the scorching sun paid off, allowing them to put food on the table and, most importantly, to see their children graduate from school—a remarkable achievement given the difficult circumstances they faced. Despite the challenges, the women’s efforts brought pride and hope to their lives, reinforcing the belief that their sacrifices would pave the way for a brighter future for their children.
However, the passage of time has brought new challenges. The gravel trade, which once served as a lifeline for these families, has dwindled. With fewer construction projects in the area, demand for gravel has decreased, leaving the women without a steady source of income. What was once a source of stability and empowerment has now become a distant memory, replaced by the stark reality of unemployment.
The situation has become so dire that some of these women have been forced to move back in with their aging parents, unable to sustain themselves independently. This reversal of fortunes has been particularly heartbreaking for them, as they had hoped their years of sacrifice would lead to lasting security. The realization that their hard work has not resulted in long-term stability is a bitter pill to swallow.
Perhaps the most painful development is that the very children these women worked so hard to educate are now joining them in the gravel trade. With no other job opportunities available, these young adults have found themselves compelled to follow in their mothers’ footsteps, breaking stones to make a living. This harsh irony underscores the failure of the system to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the youth of Tharaka Nithi.
“After all the hard work and sacrifices, seeing our children having to join us in this work is devastating,” one of the mothers lamented. “We had hoped for a better future for them.”
The fact that the next generation is being drawn into the same grueling work highlights a cycle of poverty and desperation that is difficult to break without intervention. The women’s situation reflects a broader issue facing many rural communities in Kenya: the lack of sustainable employment opportunities. Without meaningful intervention, the cycle of poverty will continue, trapping future generations in the same difficult circumstances.
In a heartfelt appeal, these women are calling on the government to address the dire employment situation in their region. “If not for us, then at least for our young people,” they urged, emphasizing the need for job creation and economic support to prevent future generations from facing similar struggles.
Their plea is not just a cry for help but a powerful statement on the importance of economic empowerment in rural communities. The women of Gaciongo have proven that they are capable of achieving great things with limited resources. Now, they are asking for the opportunity to continue working and providing for their families with dignity.
The women’s story has resonated within their community, serving as both a source of inspiration and a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. They have shown that with resilience and determination, it is possible to overcome great adversity. However, their journey also highlights the limits of individual effort in the face of systemic issues.
For the women of Gaciongo, the road ahead is uncertain. The gravel trade may have offered a temporary solution, but it is not a sustainable path. They are not asking for handouts; they are asking for opportunities—opportunities to work, to provide for their families, and to build a better future for their children.
