Kenya marked this year’s International Women’s Day with a call for increased financial inclusion to empower women and girls across the country. First Lady Rachel Ruto led the national celebrations at Tom Mboya University grounds in Homa Bay County, where women leaders underscored the urgent need to address poverty and economic inequality.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady highlighted poverty as a major challenge affecting many Kenyan women due to limited financial empowerment. She emphasized the need for concerted efforts to improve the socio-economic status of women, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting them through initiatives aimed at enhancing financial stability and access to healthcare.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.” The event brought together hundreds of participants, including political leaders, activists, and community members, to recognize the vital role women play in Kenya’s development.
Ida Odinga, who accompanied the First Lady, stressed the importance of prioritizing girls’ education to ensure more women rise to leadership positions. “Investing in girls’ education is key to achieving gender equality and empowering future generations,” she noted.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also called for increased financial resources to support women in securing elective positions. She pointed out that financial constraints remain a major obstacle for women seeking leadership roles, urging policymakers to introduce measures that promote gender equality in political and economic spheres.
The event underscored the need for strengthened financial support and educational opportunities to empower women and girls across Kenya, aligning with global efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.