Widows find strength, dignity through empowerment program

In the sunbaked villages of Migori County’s Nyatike Constituency, a quiet transformation is taking place. The Widows Empowerment Program is changing lives one woman at a time, reaching into the heart of five wards to uplift those who often suffer in silence.
From the rugged paths of Got Kachola to the far-flung homes of Kaler Ward, women from five groups — Wiyao Widows, Kabutu Widows, Masanita Widows, Nyora Widows, and Kaler Widows — are finding hope and solidarity through a program designed to restore dignity and rebuild shattered lives.
“These women, united by shared experiences and community spirit, are at the heart of the program’s mission  to restore dignity, strengthen resilience, and provide meaningful support to widows at the grassroots level,” a program representative said during a recent community gathering.
For years, widowhood in rural Kenya has been accompanied by deep social stigma, economic marginalization, and psychological hardship. Many widows are left to fend for their children with little to no support. But the Widows Empowerment Program is offering something different  practical assistance, training, and a community of women who understand.
“Through this initiative, we aim to address the unique challenges widows face by offering practical assistance, economic empowerment, and emotional support,” the representative added.
The results are already visible.
In North Kadem Ward, the Kabutu Widows group has started a poultry project that now feeds into local markets. “I used to rely on neighbors for food,” said Mary Atieno, a 48-year-old widow and mother of four. “Now, with the chickens we rear, I can pay school fees and even save something small.”
In Got Kachola Ward, the Wiyao Widows are cultivating kitchen gardens. “Before the program, I didn’t even know how to plant sukuma wiki,” said Jane Achieng, smiling as she watered her lush garden. “Now, I feed my children with my own hands. It feels good.”
Each group is driven not only by financial gain but by mutual care and resilience. In Kakelo Kakoth Ward, the Nyora Widows are running a beadwork cooperative that tells their stories through color and design. The income, though modest, is steady. The impact, however, is profound.
“I had lost all hope after my husband died,” said Millicent Odhiambo. “But now, I feel seen. I feel human again.”
In Macalder Kanyarwanda, the Masanita Widows are learning soap-making, a skill that brings both money and pride. And in Kaler Ward, a tailoring program is helping widows craft school uniforms for nearby institutions. “This isn’t just a needle and thread,” said group chairperson Eunice Onyango. “It’s a tool for independence.”
But the program offers more than livelihood skills. Emotional healing is central to its approach. Each group meets weekly for open conversations — safe spaces where grief is shared and strength is nurtured.
The program, supported by community leaders and local partners, aims to scale its impact further in the coming months. As word spreads, new widows are joining, eager for connection and change.
“Here, we don’t just survive,” said Atieno. “We thrive together.”
As the sun sets over the red-dust roads of Nyatike, it’s clear that the Widows Empowerment Program is not only changing lives — it is rewriting the narrative of widowhood in Migori County. With every stitched hem, harvested tomato, and shared tear, these women are building something powerful: a future grounded in dignity, resilience, and hope.
“We are no longer invisible,”said Onyango, her voice firm. “We are women with purpose.”
Widows Empowerment Program.