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Fund to establish special loans for widows

Gender CS terms move by Women Enterprise Fund a milestone that will ensure widows are not neglected

Public Service, Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia has said a substantial amount of Women Enterprise Fund will be channelled to widows.

Photo credit: Kanyiri Wahito | Nation Media Group

By  David Muchui

Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia said her ministry was working on a product that will ensure widows are not neglected.
  • Once approved, a substantial amount of Women Enterprise Fund will be channelled to widows to enable them rise from financial troubles.
  • It is estimated that there are more than eight million widows in Kenya, with the majority disadvantaged by patriarchy.

Widows will soon be able to access tailored financing from the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) as the government seeks to address the unique challenges they face.

Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia said her ministry was working on a product that will ensure widows are not neglected.

According to Inua Mama Mjane Foundation, a widows’ lobby in Meru, majority of women face discrimination and a series of injustices after losing their husbands, leading to loss of property that leaves many poor.

Related

“Women Enterprise Fund is marking the 12th year since it was established and the board is working on a new product to mark this milestone. Once approved, the Women Enterprise Fund will channel some of the money to the widows, to ensure they are able to sustain themselves, and live in dignity,” Prof Kobia said.

Third gender

Inua Mama Mjane director Cynthia Kananu, said widows need special attention from the government due to extensive abuse of their rights.

“A widow is not just a woman or single mother. We are a third gender that needs special attention from the government through policy development and resource allocation,” Ms Kananu said.

Speaking in Meru when she distributed cheques worth more than Sh39 million to women groups, Prof Kobia said the fund has so far disbursed more than Sh20.2 billion in the last 12 years.

The CS said WEF is also working with Saccos and the Maendeleo ya Wanawake to ensure more money reaches women in the grassroots.

She said WEF and Maendeleo ya Wanawake are partnering in providing water tanks to women, in an initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, hygiene and nutrition.

It is estimated that there are more than eight million widows in Kenya, with the majority disadvantaged by patriarchy.

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