NGO empowers widows in lakeside region rebuild their lives
Many of the beneficiaries have also been inspired to get involved in similar community-based initiatives
The Widows Empowerment Programme is working to uplift women in Nyanza region through discussions on economic empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and emotional well-being—laying a strong foundation for growth and resilience.
Speaking during a visit to Wan Kendwa Widows Group in Miwani Ward, Muhoroni Constituency in Kisumu County, team leader Victor Ayugi, emphasised on need for partnerships and public participation in efforts to help widows rebuild their lives.
“We did the engagement marked as an important step toward strengthening partnerships and expanding support for widows in the region. With such collaborations, the programme we have will continue to light a path of hope, dignity, and opportunity for widows working to rebuild their lives. We are seeing impact already and would love to pursue it even further so that many would succeed,” stated Ayugi whose organization has been working with a network of pillars including County governments.
At Muhoroni-Koru Ward, in Muhoroni sub-county, alongside the Gweny Gi Wang’i Widows group getting remarkable lessons on economic empowerment and social transformation. The group discussed areas of mutual support based on need basis. With poverty levels at high record numbers in the lakeside region, a lot of folks are left hopeless and as such, non-profit organisations have become the hallmark of help to change lives.
The ongoing initiatives are teaching women about financial independence, but also about nurturing a sense of belonging and hope. Through the Women Empowerment programme many have been able to support their families, invest in education for their children, and improve their living standards.
“We yearn to see change and help also alleviate poverty. This is important because the cyclic effect of having nothing needs to stop. Engaging with different cadres of important stakeholders therefore makes us put a smile on vulnerable people’s faces,” added Ayugi.
Many of the beneficiaries of these efforts have also been inspired to get involved in similar community-based initiatives, spreading the message of resilience and unity.
Grace Adhiambo, 56, who was lucky to get a new house, has been living in squalor. The mother of five has been living in a shanty, covered with polythene papers at Seme Katieno village in North Seme. “I am happy and thankful. A lot of us have been suffering but seeing such help coming through is indeed a welcome blessing. I pray many more can benefit through such initiatives,” she said.
