ZAINAB SHARIFF

Zainab Hassan Shariff is a mother of eight whose life was upended when her husband passed away, leaving her as the sole provider for the family. With no stable income, Zainab turned to selling vegetables at a small roadside stall in a bid to survive. But the business proved difficult to sustain. The income was inconsistent, and with a large family to support, even basic needs became hard to meet.

There were times when Zainab and her children went to bed hungry. The weight of raising eight children alone, physically, emotionally, and financially, took its toll. Her situation grew even more difficult when one of her daughters fell severely ill and was left paralyzed, now dependent on a wheelchair. Unable to care for her own two children, the daughter entrusted them to Zainab. Despite her own hardships, Zainab took them in without hesitation. Suddenly, she found herself caring not just for her children, but for her grandchildren and a disabled daughter all while still struggling to put food on the table.
This is where Mama Ibado Charity stepped in.

After hearing her story, Zainab was enrolled into the Seniors Feeding Program. Through this initiative, she now receives monthly food support that has brought structure, dignity, and relief to her home. For Zainab, the support has meant more than just a meal, it has been a lifeline. With basic food needs met, she is able to focus on caregiving without the added stress of hunger and uncertainty. Her resilience, though tested by tragedy and hardship, continues to shine through.

Her story reflects the quiet strength of many women across Kenya mothers and grandmothers who carry the weight of entire households on their shoulders. Thanks to the intervention of Mama Ibado Charity, Zainab no longer bears that burden alone.