First lady Dorothy Nyong’o join women and girls in dancing as members of the community celebrated women, equality and inclusion in honor of International Women’s Day ( Picture by Matilda Atieno)
By Matilda Atieno
On International Women’s Day, the County Government brought together Women across Kisumu with respect and admiration to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and girls from all walks of life to honor their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment towards the theme ‘Invest in: Women: accelerate progress.
Investment in women is an investment in all people and communities, the more reason to come together across the county to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous community for everyone, everywhere.
This year’s celebrations at Pap Kadundo were marked with jubilation and fanfare as women danced to the tunes celebrating women. The event was graced by The Deputy County Commissioner, Madam Elizabeth Owendi who represented the Regional commissioner, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o alongside Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o and the entire administration.
The DCC noted that IWD is a moment to recognize the enormous obstacles women still face, from social injustices, marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises and challenges to their autonomy.
Madam Owendi also stated that whilst International Women’s Day is a day for celebration, it is also a call to action. Action to stand with women who challenge engrained threats to their fundamental rights. Action to further strengthen protection against gender-based violence as well as action to accelerate women’s full participation and leadership.
In his speech, the Governor recognized all women who have broken the cultural ceilings and political biases to take their rightful positions in society as well as the Mama Mboga who works hard to feed and educate their children
Governor Nyong’o also appealed to leaders to spearhead the campaign against school girls drop-outs noting that the number of girls dropping out of schools and colleges due to either pregnancies or early pregnancies is appalling.
Also present was the CEC Member for Sports Gender and Youth Affairs Hon. Beatrice Odongo and Erick Omondi the international celebrity and comedian.
The IWD March 8, is a day of celebrating the women’s achievements now practiced for more than 100 years. This year’s theme encourages women to recognize their contributions in society.
The event also offered free medical camps and legal rights clinics for the vulnerable women and men of Kisumu
