Young Widows in Uasin Gishu to Mark International Widows Day on October 25
Makoba said that even men are not left out because when their wives die, they are left widowers, and they too are incorporated in the empowerment program
Antonio Makoba Chairlady of Dayster women during a meeting with men in Eldoret
By Jessica Nyaboke
Young Widows in Uasin Gishu County are set to celebrate International Day of Young Widows on the 25th of October.
According to their Day Star Women Chairlady Antonina said Widows face a myriad of challenges ranging from raising a family alone at a tender age to inheritance and social stigma.
Speaking to the media ahead of the celebration, Antonina said statistics reveal that many young widows have lost their lives under unclear circumstances.
She alleged that a total 8 women have been killed by people either who are either their lovers or husbands, adding that some are found murdered in their houses, some thrown in the bush, and others found dumped and their mutilated bodies left for decay
She lamented that it is worrying and sad enough that some of them engage in prostitution to put food on the table and, in the process, contract diseases like HIV/AIDS, which is on a high increase in the county.
The chairlady further said that many young widows do not want to come out publicly to reveal their status for fear of stigmatization, bearing in mind that they are left behind at a tender age, from 20 to 29, with very young children, with some of them cohabiting with their lovers without ever being introduced to their parents.
Antonina singled out Kamukunji, Langas, and Spain as areas where widows live because they are affordable, especially during these difficult economic times.
She added that the County Government of Uasin Gishu also offered support to their organization to assist these women by empowering them with skills like bead making, hairdressing, and tailoring and starting small businesses like salons that can make them eke out a living, saying losing a husband is not the end of the world.
In conclusion, Antonina said that even men are not left out because when their wives die, they are left widowers, and they too are incorporated in the empowerment program because the burden of raising women is not easy.
A spot check by media reveals that the majority of young widowers also go through challenges but remain quiet for fear of being judged by society, as it dictates that widowers should remain firm no matter the circumstance.
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