By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
Nyeri County witnessed a significant milestone as Pastor Dorcas, the spouse of the Deputy President, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for widows.
Speaking at the launch of the Nyeri County gender and development policy and a widows’ savings and credit cooperative (Sacco) at the Governor’s Office, Pastor Dorcas highlighted that widows are not beggars but women who have encountered unfortunate circumstances.
During her address, Pastor Dorcas stressed the necessity of empowering widows economically to support their families.
She pointed out that in many traditional African households, widows often choose not to remarry, dedicating themselves to raising their children instead.
The establishment of the Sacco aims to encourage these women to engage in income-generating activities, fostering financial independence.
“When the husband leaves the wife (widow), it doesn’t mean that she should become a beggar. She can still take care of her children,” Pastor Dorcas asserted.
“Economic empowerment is the gateway through which all economic, social, and cultural barriers are broken. By empowering widows, they can make independent decisions and overcome challenges.”
The event brought together widows and widowers from across Nyeri County, uniting them in a shared vision of economic self-sufficiency and gender equality. Pastor Dorcas highlighted that the launch of the gender policy would establish a robust foundation for promoting gender equality across various sectors.
In addition to advocating for economic empowerment, Pastor Dorcas urged families to leave written wills to clearly dictate the distribution of property.
She remarked, “In many African traditions, widows often remain unmarried and focus on taking care of their children. When it comes to empowerment, everything tends to center around the husband, including leadership and wealth. If a man doesn’t leave a will, the woman is left to suffer and struggle.”
Pastor Dorcas’s appeal aims to address the traditional challenges faced by widows, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive independently.
The newly launched policies and initiatives signify a step towards a more equitable and supportive environment for widows in Nyeri County.