We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving transfers from Give Directly is that I now have enough oxen. Previously I used to have one who that could 't plough on its own. I can now plough my farm because I recently bought another one. This has saved me from the expenses of hiring labor. I was forced to cultivate the land on my own especially when I couldn't afford to hire labor. On such occasions, I would end up harvesting almost nothing. I feel relieved because I will not have to hire any time soon. I am also hoping to get a bumper harvest for the next coming seasons since the oxen can plough large areas of land within a short period of time.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 pm when I saw the notification message on my mobile phone. Since I don't know how to read, I asked my son to check what the notification was all about. He then told me it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had sent my first transfer. I was so excited I remember dancing and celebrating with joy. I knew my problems would finally come to an end.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying an ox and one goat. I chose to buy them because they are the only assets that would help me get enough money that would help me achieve my next goal. Apart from that I also bought some building materials such as building poles which would help me in renovating my house that was in poor condition. I then bought school uniforms and paid school fees for my children for a whole year. Their previous school uniforms were torn and old. They would also be used to be sent home frequently due to lack of school fees and this used to bother us as their parents. I am glad because all is settled now. They won't get distracted any time soon
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It's been more than five years in marriage but I have never known what my husband does for a living yet he stays in Mombasa claiming to be at work and only comes home once in every two months. This and many other examples I can tell to show you how women from my community are undermined by their men because we solely depend on them for finances, decision making and many other things. However, this is something I want to change for myself so I can be an example that others can emulate. I plan to use my GD transfers to be self reliant so I can earn my husband's respect and participate equally in our marriage. I will use my cash as capital for the lucrative livestock trading business in my community that is mostly dominated by men.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being the rainy season, most of us engage in farming. I love to work on my farm in the morning when the weather is more favourable and there are less activities to do at home. Evenings are a bit tricky because there is so much to do such as dinner preparations, bathing the children, making sure they do their homework etc.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It is my wish to be a more active player in my marriage in terms of provision of basic needs such as food, housing and education, also in decision making on matters concerning the family etc. Sadly, this is not the case as I lack the financial capacity to engage in activities that can ensure a flow of income which will ultimately earn me my husband's respect and be able to see me as an equal partner that can also contribute to the welfare of the family.
