How Counties Are Planning To End Women Poverty, Advance Gender Equality – Waiguru

Council of Governors (COG) chair Anne Waiguru has said that County Governments have invested heavily in programs to end women’s poverty and advance gender equality.

Speaking during the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), side event in New York, United States, Waiguru said the programs are aimed at ending poverty among women and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development for all.

The programs include; economic empowerment, healthcare, education, and leadership.

Waiguru noted that counties have adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure women have equal opportunities to access education, healthcare, finance, and decent employment.

To end women's poverty, the Kirinyaga County boss revealed that devolved units have resolved to increase access to resources and financial assets, mentorship for entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Others include training to end deep-rooted stereotypes that limit women’s participation in education, skills enhancement to increase their access to decent employment, and decision-making among others.

“Several counties have integrated gender considerations into their development plans and budgets. By mainstreaming gender, these counties aim to ensure that resources and opportunities are equitably distributed among men and women, promoting equality and inclusivity,” said Waiguru,

The CoG chair gave an example of the Wezesha Kirinyaga empowerment programme saying counties have established women's funds to provide financial support, training, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs.

“These programs have helped women start or expand their businesses, thereby contributing to local economic growth,” Waiguru stated.

She also mentioned that counties have implemented initiatives to support women in agribusiness by providing access to markets, training in modern farming techniques, and promoting value addition activities like food processing and agro-processing.

Further, Governor Waiguru pointed out that counties have also prioritized healthcare initiatives targeting women and mothers through the establishment of maternal and child health clinics, providing prenatal and postnatal care services, and promoting family planning and reproductive health education.

“Evidence from around the world has shown that a strong social protection system can help break the devastating cycle of poverty. The effective implementation of social protection measures are crucial to ensure comprehensive development across all sectors. The well-being of citizens, particularly those who are disadvantaged and underprivileged, hinges on the availability of robust social protection mechanisms,” the Kirinyaga governor added.