Effect of Widowhood on Economic and Social Wellbeing of Widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

The death of a husband is one of the most traumatic experiences that is accompanied by additional social and economic responsibilities. Worldwide, the rate of widowhood is on the rise and it comes with multiple social and economic roles. In Kenya, more specifically, Kisumu County, there is an alarming increase in the number of widows who have to have to contend with the additional social and economic burden due to spousal loss. The current study sought to assess the effect of widowhood on economic and social wellbeing of widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya. The study used purposive sampling to select 50 widows in Kisumu East Sub County. The research design used was quantitative and qualitative in nature. Data was gathered using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The researcher had 5 focus group discussions with the widows to extract in depth information on widows’ economic and social wellbeing. The findings report that widowhood, heightens social and economic challenges thus affecting the wellbeing of widows. The findings also show that widows in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, have social and economic hardships that impact on their lives. The study recommends that the government and the community should empower widows economically to help them initiate sustainable income generating projects, business and acquisition of new skills which may allow them to seek better medical care for themselves and their families. Additionally, the community and the government, should nurture and inculcate positive guidelines on social inclusivity of widows. Moreover, widows should also be sensitized on healthy ways of socially and economically integrating themselves in the society by establishing productive and sustainable social and financial welfare groups.