Widows across the country have been encouraged to join women-led groups to gain access to essential investment and empowerment opportunities. This call to action was made during an empowerment event in Marsabit County, which brought together approximately 3,000 women.
Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, graced the event and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and grassroots organisations to provide financial support to widows.
“Women are the strong pillars at our homes and communities. They have big role to play on matters peace and security. They deserve dignity, protection, and the opportunity to thrive,” stated Chiggai.
During the event, women’s groups received a variety of support materials designed to enhance their businesses. The offices of the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights and Woman Representative Naomi Waqo collaborated to bring together different support groups to empower the women.
The initiative aims to provide empowerment at a time when many widows feel forgotten, and society appears increasingly unsympathetic to their needs.
“Mara nyingi inaonekana kana kwamba dunia inaendelea na inawaacha kina mama nyuma, lakini leo tunasema dunia haisongi, lazima tusonge mbele na kina mama. Serikali inasema tunawajali wajane na akina mama,” remarked Chiggai.
Some of the women are involved in the miraa trade and received umbrellas to help them continue their work under the scorching heat.
“This programme for widows and single mothers is very special. It touches the lives of the most vulnerable—women who sell miraa, charcoal, and firewood in order to bring up their children,” said Naomi Waqo, the Marsabit Woman Representative.
The programme, which is now running nationwide, also aims to educate widows on the financial and legal challenges they face. Partners believe this will provide a critical avenue for women to become self-sufficient.
“The Government remains firm in its resolve, to end harmful practices, uphold the law, and ensure that no woman is left behind,” said Chiggai.
The group also highlighted the necessity of providing preferential treatment for widows regarding access to education for their children, as statistics indicate that they bear a heavy burden, resulting in some children dropping out of school to help support the family.
