KISUMU, Kenya, September 19th –In a significant event aimed at empowering women, ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside other ODM women leaders, led over 2,000 women from the Sigand Nyinam Initiative at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium Mamboleo in Kisumu on Friday, September 19th.
Each participant received Sh 5,000 from President William Ruto, thus fulfilling his commitment made during the August Devolution Conference in Homa Bay.
This empowerment program is designed to assist over 8,000 women across Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties in launching or expanding their businesses through grassroots group support.
During her address, Governor Wanga emphasised that: “The initiative represents a direct investment in sustainable livelihoods, community transformation, and the immense economic potential of women in the region.”
She said that the program intends to expand to the remaining counties in Nyanza, with a focus on providing equal opportunities for women’s empowerment across the region.
Discussions at the event also highlighted the urgent need to combat the Triple Threats of HIV/AIDS, Early Pregnancies, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Women leaders voiced their commitment to fostering a society free from these challenges, which are detrimental to local communities.
Hon Millie Mabona, the Minority Whip in the National Assembly, strongly condemned a recent tragic incident in Mbita, Homa Bay County, where a 13-year-old girl was abducted, raped, and gruesomely murdered while on her way home for lunch.
The Suba North MP further urged authorities to expedite investigations to ensure justice is served, emphasising that one of the primary purposes of the Sigand Nyinam initiative is to combat gender-based violence.
The women leaders expressed their gratitude to President Ruto and former premier Raila Odinga for their efforts in forming a broad-based government.
“We are calling on Kenyans to support this initiative, which aims to unify the nation towards a common goal,” they urged.
The launch event saw the participation of prominent Nyinam leaders from Kisumu County, including Honorables Ruth Odinga (Women’s Representative), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West MP), Senator Catherine Mumma, and various women MCAs.
Other dignitaries included legislators Dr Joyce Osogo Bensuda (Homa Bay), Dr Christine Ombaka(Siaya), and Fatuma (Migori), alongside a host of MCAs from the region.
