A women lobby group in Mount Kenya region wants young mothers to take advantage of government funds meant to uplift welfare of women and youth.
Leaders of the group, dubbed daughters of the mountain have claimed that some women are not aware of various funds the government has set aside to improve on their livelihoods.
During an empowerment forum held Kiriaini Catholic Church Friday, the leaders led by Murang’a women representative Sabina Chege, former Nyeri Women representative Priscilla Nyokabi and nominated MCA Wambui Njoki observed that women are subjected to financial challenges as majority of them solely take care of their families.
On her part, Nyokabi said the group is organizing forums in various counties where they meet and educate young women about government funds and also on details contained in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
“Apart from empowering the women in our region, we want them to understand contents of the BBI report so that they can make an informed decision especially during the time of referendum,” said Nyokabi.
The former women rep cited sections of the report which are rooting for increased women representation in the both National Assembly and the Senate.
At the same time, Nyokabi explained that myriad of challenges faced by women including lack of water and poor agricultural earnings, especially around Mt. Kenya region have been well addressed in the BBI report.
“The BBI report is addressing some of the challenges women from this region have been experiencing over the years. The proposed increase of devolved funds will also ensure water connection is increased, thus boosting agricultural activities,” she added.
The nominated MCA, who was the organizer of the event said the lobby group is targeting to recruit more than 11, 000 members across counties within Mount Kenya region.
“Currently we have 3, 000 members drawn from counties we have already visited including Murang’a, Kiambu and Kirinyaga. We are targeting by mid next year we will have more than 10, 000 members,” she added.
Njoki dismissed claims that the lobby has installed Kirinyaga governor as their patron saying that up to now, they have not arrived at a decision to have someone occupy that position.
“We have not installed anyone as our patron. We are just working as a team and when time to have patrons come we will make the right decision,” Njoki observed.
The Murang’a Women Rep called on members of the group to remain united and assist young women to improve their socio- economic welfare.
Chege castigated those who wanted to divide the group saying politics should not rock their functions as it may lead to disintegration of the organization, even before meeting its goals.
“The purpose of the group is to empower young women and also the aged in our community. Let’s focus on that and avoid some minor disagreements which may hinder our progress,” she added.
During the forum, 30 young mothers were issued with salon equipment to help them start income generating projects.
By Bernard Munyao
Young women challenged to take advantage of government funds
