We deserve state funding, says Maendeleo Ya Wanawake
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake patron Phoebe Asiyo (left) and former nominated senator Zipporah Kitonyi during Ms Asiyo's 90th birthday party in Homa Bay Town on December 20, 2021. The women organisation is appealing for government funding to run its empowerment projects.
The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) has appealed to the government to consider allocating it funds for running different programmes aimed at the empowerment of women.
The organisation is celebrating its 70th anniversary since its inception.
Its leaders said they have immensely contributed to national and political development in the country and, therefore, they deserve to fully benefit from the state.
They said the government should reward the group by setting aside funds for it to run its economic empowerment programmes without hitches.
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake patron Phoebe Asiyo and Chairperson Rahab Mwikali Muiu said the organisation is focused on addressing the challenges facing women through economic empowerment initiatives.
Some of the major activities the members benefit from include digital literacy and financial management programmes, which are all aimed at uplifting their economic status.
Politics
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake also engages in politics.
MYWO’s Chief Executive Officer Isabela Ndolo said the organisation has trained women in at least 560 wards in 19 counties on political participation.
Ms Muiu said for the organisation to continue helping more women in the county, it should be supported by the government.
"Our organisation plays a crucial role in making sure all women in the country are empowered. We lead in ensuring that all the challenges that the female gender goes through are addressed," she said.
She spoke on Monday during Ms Asiyo's 90th birthday party at a Homa Bay hotel.
The ceremony was attended by former nominated Senator Zipporah Kittony and other national and county officials of the group.
Ms Muiu said her organisation is working to end the vicious cycle of poverty in most Kenyan homes.
"We can only achieve our goal if the government is on our side. Our five million members have a voice and they deserve to be recognised by the government," she said.
Ms Asiyo said the group is involved in the national agenda and the government should recognise their role in helping in policy making.
The former Karachuonyo MP said the government should have a special budget for the group.
"Maendeleo Ya Wanawake is involved in a lot of national issues in the background. The group feeds children and engages in national politics. Its activities should therefore be supported," Ms Asiyo said.
