Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has called on women to come together in groups and champion their empowerment.
The Speaker said women should embrace unity of purpose while fighting for their welfare.
“Embrace unity of purpose and work towards empowering yourselves,” Wetang’ula said in his message during the launch of Western Women Organisation at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
In a speech read on his behalf by Senior Research Officer at National Assembly’s Speakers Office William Chiveli, Wetang’ula promised to use his position to support women's empowerment.
“I am ready and will always support ideas that help women actualise their dreams and visions,” he stated.
Wetangula gave a personal contribution of Sh200, 000 in support of the Western Women Organisation.
In attendance were Harriet Chiggai, President William Ruto’s advisor on gender Jennifer Mbatiany (Bungoma Deputy Governor), and Margaret Makelo (First Lady, Bungoma County).
Prominent women leaders and professionals from western Kenya also graced the event.
Western Women Organisation joins a long list of registered women groups.
According to government records, there are over 14, 000 registered women groups in Kenya. Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation and the National Council of Women of Kenya are some of the most prominent groups.
The organisations are categorised as religious, income-generating and professional.
They are to effect change in public policy, promote social welfare and improve the economic and physical circumstances of the individuals in the group and the nation at large.
