Kakamega Governor’s spouse Janet Barasa has unveiled a widow-empowerment programme targeting over 1,200 widows across the county’s 12 sub-counties to boost their economic well-being.
Speaking during a meeting with a section of widows drawn from Lugari Sub County at the governor’s Northern region office at Panpaper yesterday, Mrs. Barasa underscored the importance of helping widows rebuild their lives besides enabling them to support their families.
Barasa said for a long time, widows have been neglected, with a majority of them facing significant challenges, including economic insecurity, social isolation, and physical and emotional abuse.
She said, “The widows also suffer when it comes to the inheritance of land and other property left behind by their spouses.
“However, through this initiative, my office is now rendering to them free advice on how to go about it, and those seeking court intervention, we are availing lawyers for them so that they are not oppressed or dispossessed of their inheritance.
“My office mainly deals with women and youth issues. Last year, about 3,000 widows across the county benefitted from various empowerment initiatives through sponsorship from my office.
“This year my target is 1,200 widows, although I am ready to accommodate any extra numbers. My objective is to widen the coverage so that no widow is left behind.”
Barasa, who regretted that most of the time widows are marginalised, humiliated, and oppressed, said she is ready to change the status quo by supporting and empowering them to be economically independent.
She urged the widows to form self-help groups, apply for county government grants, and engage in activities like table banking and merry-go-round, which can generate income and enable them to meet their daily needs and educate their children.
Barasa encouraged the widows not to neglect their parental responsibilities of ensuring proper upbringing of their children by instilling strong family values in them so that they complete their studies and grow up to be responsible citizens.
The widows who expressed their joy lauded the governor’s wife for the initiative, saying they have for once been remembered.
Leah Mutende and Judith Aluse said their plight as widows had for a long time been forgotten and thanked Barasa for coming out and unveiling a programme targeting them.
Also present during the event were County Ombudsman Nelson Majimbo, Director of Gender Joyce Wafukho, and Gender Advisor Christine Oside.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
