Women in Migori County have been urged to take advantage of the funds available to them through several government initiatives and start projects which can improve their lives.
Uriri Sub County Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) acting chairlady Judith Awino said it is only when the women are financially empowered that they will be able to actively participate in the nation building.
“We have to take advantage of the several avenues to financial stability offered by the government,” said Mrs. Awino.
The official added that this had now been made easier after the government rolled out several programs, among them the newly initiated ‘Hustlers’ Kitty and the women enterprise fund.
The MYWO boss however regretted that not very many women had come out to take loans and start their businesses; a trend she noted was worrying those involved in the implementation of the programs especially those operating the Women Enterprise Fund.
The official was speaking yesterday at Nyamilu Primary School in Central Kanyamkago location during an end year party for Upendo Women Welfare Group.
Records indicate that the local women enterprise fund management has been returning up to Sh.10 million to the treasury every year due to lack of applicants asking for loans.
Mrs. Awino however attributed this to lack of information about the existence of the money on the part of women and urged government officials especially the gender ministry and the National Government Administration Officials (NGAO) to educate the masses on all the funds at their disposal.
Lack of knowledge on the funds had led to fewer women benefiting from the funds despite the fact that the government had been allocating millions of shillings to the said kitties each year, the official said.
The official also challenged mothers to be role models to their children particularly their daughters by always practicing good morals in the society.
“If you want to promote good life for your children then behave morally by refraining from alcohol drinking, adultery, gossiping, thievery and violence,” she noted.
Instead, she advised the women to raise their children religiously, exposing them to much spiritual nourishment in a bid to make them differentiate between good and bad things in their lives.
During the function, matters of politics, health, agriculture, roads, water and education were also extensively discussed by guests invited purposely to give expertise talks on the fields.
By George Agimba
