Slum Women’s Iniative For Development

Before SWID’s intervention, Walukuba/Masese Division had several problems affecting women including land grabbing as a result of traditional beliefs that deny women the right to inherit land and property after losing their spouses or parents, discrimination and stigma among HIV positive women, a wide gap between leaders and community members, and a lack of knowledge of legal rights. After SWID’s intervention through the revolving loan scheme, members were able to secure a loan from SWID that they use to construct a house. Before, many were living in a poor shelter roofed with asbestos that has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer). The original houses were meant for single occupancy and therefore were not suited for large families. The new houses are constructed with guests rooms that could be rented out as a sustainable method for the members to repay their loans.