Empower her: from loss to leadership.

On 23^rd of June every year, the world comes together to observe  International  Widows’ Day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about the struggles faced by widows globally and promote their rights and their well-being.

According to the United Nations, there are more than 258million widows worldwide, and nearly half live in poverty. Widowhood is a deeply personal experience marked by grief and adjustment, but many women across the world, especially in developing nations; it also brings a lifetime of discrimination, marginalization, and poverty. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), thousands of women become widows each year. Many widows are denied inheritance rights, pushed out of their homes, and excluded from social and economic participation.

This year, we celebrate The International Widows’ Day with the theme; Empower her: from loss to leadership. Kisii County marks the International Widows’ Day at the historic Ibeno mission where the area MCA Steve Arika will host the event.  The event will be graced by the first lady of Kisii county, Mama May Kwamboka Arati, a passionate advocate for vulnerable groups and family empowerment. Her presence emphasizes the County’s commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for widows and their families.  This important day shines a light on the resilience, struggles and rights of widows across the globe, many of whom continue to face economic hardship, social exclusion, and systematic neglect.

International widows’ day calls on the Kenyan government, civil society, religious leaders, and citizens to do more than just acknowledge the problem. It calls for action: Enforce inheritance and land rights laws that protect widows, challenge and transform harmful cultural norms, provide psychological support and accessible legal aid and to create economic empowerment programs tailored for widows and single mothers.

Organizations such as the Federations of women lawyers (FIDA) and Widows and orphans Welfare society have long advocated for the protection of widows’ rights. But much more is needed- especially in rural and marginalized communities.

This day also invites Kenyans to reflect on the contribution of widows to society; as mothers, caretakers, breadwinners, and citizens. They are not just victims of loss; they are survivors, visionaries, and drivers of change. As we mark International Widows’ Day, let us commit to a Kenya where widows are seen, heard, supported and empowered. A Kenya where no woman is stripped of dignity because she has lost her husband. A Kenya where widows thrive –not just survive.

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BY OBADIAH MACHOGU

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.