- IN BRIEF: The call by Tessie Mudavadi for women to form and join groups to gain financial empowerment is a crucial step towards reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. It is an initiative that should be embraced and supported by all stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. With financial empowerment, women and youth can become self-reliant and contribute to their families’ and communities’ economic development.
Tessie Mudavadi, the spouse of Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has called on women to join groups to gain financial empowerment through the Women Enterprise Fund. Speaking during the launch of Baraka Women’s Centre in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, she emphasized the need to empower women and youth to prevent anti-social behavior like drug and substance abuse.
Tessie encouraged vulnerable people to take advantage of the available funds to empower themselves, noting that the government has made it possible for them to do so. She also emphasized the importance of empowering young men equally to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse resulting from joblessness.
Laikipia’s First Lady, Grace Irungu, added that they want the government to continue supporting women’s groups in the county. She stated that they are dedicated to serving women regardless of their tribe or origin as long as there is a need for empowerment.
Empowering women and youth financially is a critical step towards reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. It is particularly important in developing countries, where women are often marginalized and have limited access to financial resources. By forming and joining groups, women can pool their resources and access financial support, which can be used to start businesses or invest in existing ones.
The Women Enterprise Fund was established in Kenya to provide financial support to women who want to start or expand their businesses. The Fund aims to provide affordable credit to women who may not have access to conventional banking services, particularly in rural areas. It is a crucial initiative that has enabled many women to become financially independent and contribute to their families’ and communities’ economic development.
Furthermore, youth empowerment is crucial to preventing drug and substance abuse and other anti-social behaviors. By providing young people with job opportunities, skills training, and financial support, they can become self-reliant and lead productive lives. Empowering young men equally to women is also important as it ensures gender equality, and both sexes are free to contribute to their economic and social development.
