Maendeleo Ya Wanawake urged to empower women in grassroots

By Muthoni Wainaina

The Government has urged the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) to strengthen its role in advancing economic empowerment for women at the grassroots level.

This call was made by Susan Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake National Executive Council Retreat held in Sagana to review the organization’s 2025–2029 strategic plan.

“With over four million women organized in more than 25,000 groups, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake is in a unique position to help the Government reach women at the grassroots with life-changing opportunities,” said Mang’eni on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

“We urge MYWO to work with us in organizing empowerment forums and spreading awareness about government programs designed to uplift women economically,” she said.

The PS identified key value chains where women could thrive, including leather, dairy, tea, livestock, edible oil, construction, the blue economy, and rice. She encouraged women to utilize the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) initiative and benefit from funding tools like the Hustler Fund.

“Our vision is to see women not only building their businesses but also mentoring others, creating employment, and becoming community changemakers,” Mang’eni added.

Strategic plan and support initiatives

MYWO Chairperson Rahab Mwikali Muiu welcomed the Government’s support and outlined the organization’s continued commitment to empowering women economically and socially.

“Our 2025–2029 strategic plan is aimed at building capacity and resilience among our members,” said Muiu. “With projects like the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Mbao Sacco, established in 2022, we are giving women the financial tools to thrive.”

MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni (centre, holding a document), Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga (left) and MYWO Chairperson Rahab Mwikali Muiu (right). Photo/Handout

She emphasized the organization’s openness to partnerships that provide access to resources, training, and market linkages.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga called on MYWO to mobilize its network to help register women with the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

“Let us work together to register every woman with SHA so that no one is left behind in accessing healthcare,” Chidzuga said. “This is key to achieving universal health coverage.”

The retreat served as a platform for strategic reflection and alignment, with both Government and MYWO leaders expressing optimism about future collaboration to unlock economic opportunities for women across Kenya.