Maendeleo ya Wanawake to celebrate 70th anniversary in eight regions

The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) on Monday kicked off their nationwide celebrations for their 70th anniversary.

MYWO began its festivities in the Western region at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

The organisation is Kenya’s oldest women’s movement that is still in existence today.

MYWO National Chairperson Rahab Muiu said that they would be celebrating across the country’s eight regions.

“This year Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation marks 70 years since its inception and plans to hold 8 regional celebrations in the former provinces of Western, Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Coast, North Eastern, Rift Valley, and Nairobi respectively,” she said.

The organisation has had great notable women in its ranks since it was formed in 1952.

Just last week, Gender and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Maragret Kobia honored and recognised trailblazing women who fought for the empowerment of women over the decades.

They included Phoebe Asiyo, Zipporah Kittony, Grace Onyango, and Joan Mjomba, who were among the first women to hold political leadership seats and break glass ceilings for other Kenyan women.

In attendance at the first nationwide celebrations were CS’s Margaret Kobia and her Sports, Culture and Heritage counterpart Amina Mohammed.

Former Gender and Public Service Cabinet Administrative Secretary Beatrice Elachi was also present at the celebrations.