As the world marked International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th March, Kwale women were not left behind.
During the celebrations held at Baraza Park in Kinango sub-county, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani awarded Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) and awarding letters to women and youth groups in the county.
“As Kwale County, we have decided to celebrate this day through development. These LPOs and awarding letters will help women and youth groups get jobs worth at least sh.50 million,” said Governor Achani.
Achani said the LPOs will help the groups get jobs from the county and other departments. She added that this would accelerate women’s empowerment.
“In this journey of developing Kwale County, we cannot leave women behind. Women carry everyone’s responsibility, so when you empower a woman, you have empowered the whole community,” said the County 002 Governor.
The celebrations in Kwale kicked off with a procession and then a tree planting.
Several groups including the dance groups received LPOs with some getting tender awarding letters up to sh.2 million.
According to the Governor, some of the tenders awarded included the supply of murram, tyres, and other road construction materials.
“The Kwale-Kinango road is under construction. Some of these groups will be responsible for delivering construction materials. Other groups will be responsible for ensuring our county is clean,” said Achani.
Traditional dance groups also got LPOs.
The celebrations themed ‘Accelerating Action For Gender Equality’ started with a procession and a tree-planting session.
“Today we celebrate the independence of women. Women have fought for their positions and a good example is our governor Fatuma Achani. She fought, was insulted and degraded but she is the governor,” said Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo.
Different Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) marked the event.
Some present include: Sauti ya Wanawake Pwani, The Hijabi Mentorship Program, Plan International, Choice, Samba Sports, and Red Cross.
Huduma Kenya was on the ground to administer government services.
