Widows in Rarieda unite for empowerment and change

In a powerful show of unity and resilience, widows from West and East Asembo Wards gathered for a day of support, learning, and empowerment through the Widows Empowerment Program.
The event brought together members of the Ndwara B Widows Group from West Asembo and Cham Kitindo Widows Group from East Asembo, creating a safe and empowering space for dialogue, skill-building, and collaboration.
Held under the banner of growth and transformation, the gathering was a milestone in the ongoing efforts to uplift widows in the region. The Widows Empowerment Program, which led the initiative, focuses on three pillars: economic empowerment, social support, and legal advocacy.
Through these, it seeks to ensure that widows are not only seen and heard but are also provided with the resources and rights they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Many of the women present shared stories of hardship and perseverance, shedding light on the economic and emotional toll of widowhood in rural communities. But the day was not about loss—it was about reclaiming power and envisioning a better future.
“Today is a celebration of our strength, not our sorrow,” said a representative from the Ndwara B Widows Group. “We are here to learn how to support ourselves and each other, to grow businesses, know our rights, and to ensure our voices are part of the conversations that shape our communities.”
Workshops throughout the day addressed various topics critical to the wellbeing and advancement of widows. Sessions included financial literacy training, access to small loans and micro-enterprise opportunities, guidance on land and inheritance rights, and discussions on mental health and peer support. Experts and community leaders facilitated these sessions, offering both technical knowledge and emotional encouragement.
In many parts of Kenya, widows often face stigma, disinheritance, and social isolation. The Widows Empowerment Program challenges these realities by giving women the tools and platforms they need to advocate for themselves and their families. Legal aid and human rights education, which were also part of the day’s agenda, aim to reduce the legal vulnerabilities widows often encounter after the loss of a spouse.
“The empowerment of widows is not just a women’s issue—it is a community issue,” said a facilitator from the program. “When widows thrive, their children thrive. Their success contributes to stronger, more resilient communities.”
Beyond the formal sessions, the event served as a bonding experience for the two groups, reinforcing the power of collective action. Through songs, storytelling, and shared meals, the women connected over their common experiences and dreams for the future.
The day closed with a renewed commitment to building a network of widows who can support one another long after the event. Plans were laid to continue group savings initiatives, regular community meetings, and follow-up workshops.
As the sun set over Asembo, the energy of the day lingered — one of hope, determination, and a deep belief in change. The Widows Empowerment Program continues to expand its reach, driven by the belief that with the right tools and support, widows in Kenya can become powerful agents of transformation in their families and communities.
Widows Empowerment Program.