Widows have been urged to embrace value addition of agricultural products like avocado farming to create self employment, for their improved financial status.
Speaking during a CSR initiative at Barotion primary school in Kipkelion East, Kericho County, the President’s Advisor on Women Rights Hon. Chiggai Harriette noted that widows are often plunged into social isolation, legal battles, and economic hardship once they lose their spouses.
As a result, they suffer economic insecurity, social stigma, limited access to resources, and health vulnerabilities.
She encouraged them to form registered groups to source funding from the Government to help boost their businesses.
On Gender-Based Violence, Hon. Chiggai advised women to be cautious about traditional norms that perpetuate gender violence and the negative effects of FGM.
“The Government has put laws and regulations in place to safeguard the rights of women and girls. So all State and Non-State actors are called upon to support Government by being executors; chiefs must ensure reported cases are handled to fruition to ensure timely justice for the victims”, she said.
On teen pregnancies, parents were urged to constantly monitor their young girls; and the community encouraged to be agents of safe spaces for all children.
The CSR initiative was convened in conjunction with major partners, stakeholders and the County Government. Hundreds of widows received training and empowerment on how to reclaim assets left behind by their spouses, how to access financial support for their businesses, legal and medical aid, among other free services.
Tourism Fund
Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)