Busia: Women leaders have been urged to play a lead role in fighting for their rights in the county. Speaking during the celebrations to mark International Women’s Day at Madende Primary School, the Regional Director for Village Enterprise, Carolyne Wafula, highlighted concerns about some women leaders prioritizing personal interests over advocating for women’s rights.

According to Kenya News Agency, Wafula emphasized the existing gap in women leadership within the county, noting that many women leaders are not adequately addressing or sharing the challenges faced by women in the community. She stressed the need for increased women representation in leadership roles, as women themselves best understand the challenges they endure. Wafula called for governance and leadership from women who are committed to advocating for others rather than pursuing personal agendas.

Wafula pointed out that Busia County lags in empowerment efforts due to persistent gender-based violence and a reliance on casual jobs, issues that Village Enterprise is working to address. She noted that gender-based issues have instilled fear among women, preventing them from speaking out. Village Enterprise aims to empower women to become more assertive, with a focus on gender and climate issues. Women in their programs are now engaging in small businesses to support themselves and their children’s education.

The organization has taken steps to empower women in Samia Sub County by providing knowledge on gender matters and climate change. Wafula mentioned that they are working with 327 women, organizing them into groups to provide financial literacy, business skills, and education on gender and climate change. The goal is to empower women and alleviate extreme poverty.

Wafula also highlighted the importance of encouraging climate-smart sustainable businesses to empower women financially in response to climate change. Women in Samia Sub County have started planting short-season crops and forming saving groups, initiatives that are helping to reduce poverty. These saving groups have enabled women to pool resources, issue loans among themselves, and support educational development by paying school fees for their children.