Empowering dreams: Suna East widows find new hope

In a powerful celebration of resilience and progress, widows in Migori County marked International Women’s Day 2025 with renewed optimism — thanks to the Widows Empowerment Program, a transformative initiative championed by Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo and team leader Victor Ayugi.
The program, dubbed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,”aims to equip widows with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Through financial literacy, community empowerment, and strategic interventions, the initiative is reshaping lives and strengthening the social fabric across Suna East and beyond.
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Over the weekend, the program toured several wards, engaging widows from different communities and providing them with tools to foster economic independence and personal growth. In West Sakwa Ward, Awendo Constituency, widows underwent comprehensive training on financial stability and collective empowerment.
“We believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” said Victor Ayugi, the team leader of the initiative. “This program is about creating opportunities for widows to thrive, ensuring they have the support they need to shape a brighter future for their families.”
The impact of the program extended beyond West Sakwa, reaching Godjope Widows in Godjope Ward, Vumilia Widows in Kwa Ward, and Talented Widows in Kakrao Ward. Each group participated in workshops and sessions tailored to their specific needs, addressing challenges and unlocking potential.
Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of investing in women’s resilience and potential.
“Women are the backbone of our communities. By empowering widows, we’re not just transforming individual lives — we’re fostering inclusive and sustainable development for entire communities,” he said.
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, the Widows Empowerment Program provided a fitting tribute to the strength and determination of women who have faced immense personal loss.
“Women’s Day is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve by working together,” said Ayugi. “Our goal is to ensure that no woman is left behind. By equipping widows with the right tools, we’re accelerating progress for everyone.”
For many participants, the program has already made a tangible difference.
“Before this initiative, I struggled to make ends meet,” said Jane Atieno, a member of the Vumilia Widows group. “Now, I have the skills and support to start my own business. I finally feel hopeful about the future.”
The Widows Empowerment Program is more than just a series of training sessions — it’s a movement toward self-reliance and collective growth. Through financial education, mentorship, and community-driven support, widows across Migori County are gaining the confidence to take charge of their lives and inspire those around them.
As the initiative continues to expand, the message is clear: investing in women accelerates progress for all. And for the widows of Suna East, this journey of transformation has only just begun.
Agency: Widows Empowerment Group Program