The coastal county of Kwale is scaling up women empowerment initiatives for better economic outcomes and enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit.
Area Governor Fatuma Achani says the County Government will continue to facilitate easy access to resources and opportunities for women including socio-economic participation and decision-making.
This she stated is being done through various interventions and empowerment programmes as well as appointments into key county positions.
Governor Fatuma Achani says her administration through the Department of Social Services has been working hand in hand with various groups in the county, providing them with the necessary tools and resources for the purpose of empowering them.
She emphasized the importance of creating sustainable economic opportunities for women, as it leads to improved livelihoods, social well-being, and overall progress.
“We remain committed to advancing women and youth empowerment and gender equality in the county,” said Achani.
Governor Achani says economic empowerment programmes are significantly improving the economic and social standing of women across the coastal county.
“The devolved government’s focus on women and young people empowerment is a key component of my broader developmental agenda for the county,” said Achani.
She says since 2022 her administration has awarded tenders to over 30 registered women and youth companies aimed at uplifting their living standards in the region.
Achani was speaking in Mwavumbo administrative ward in Kinango Sub County during the award of a tender to Nzonago Mwenye Women Group for the construction of an ablution block at the Ngeyeni social hall.
The coastal county boss says the new project will greatly enhance the facilities in the area, improving sanitation and providing a more comfortable environment for the community and market people.
The Governor has restated her administration’s commitment to ensuring gender mainstreaming and engendering a sense of belonging and empowerment for women in Kwale.
“More than 200 women and youth groups have also been registered as medium sized companies and I encourage them to seek tenders from both the county and national governments as well as from private organisations,” she said.
She added, “We are cognizant to the fact that empowered women and youth can become catalysts for broader societal transformation”.
The county boss said her administration is in the forefront in making sure that women and youth grow themselves economically by starting businesses so that they can create jobs for others.
Achani who was accompanied by County Executive for Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo says securing tenders will help ensure better economic outcomes for women which is essential for addressing gender inequality and resilience to economic shocks.
She urged the women and youth to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the county and the national government through initiatives such as the Women Enterprise Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
She at the same time called upon the residents to support her to deliver her development mandate to the people.
Achani says the devolved government seeks to address issues that inhibit women’s empowerment and hinders inclusivity and economic growth.
By Hussein Abdullahi
