He. DG Robert komole on Women Empowerment through Ushanga Initiative Training

Deputy Governor Robert Komole concluded a successful 5-day Ushanga Initiative training aimed at empowering women groups through beadwork and economic empowerment. The training, which targeted women in Kapenguria, focused on improving the quality of beadwork to meet international standards and enhance the women's earnings and livelihoods.

Esther Mwanyama, the Head of Production at Ushanga Kenya, highlighted the training's objective to add value to traditional beadwork by expanding the market and increasing profits for the women. The participants were taught how to produce high-quality beaded table mats, necklaces, accessories, leather belts, and traditional Maasai ornaments, among other items. They were also introduced to digital platforms that would enable them to market their products effectively.

Joshua Siwanyang, the County Executive Committee member in charge of Youth, Sports, Gender, and Culture, recognized the need for robust support for beadwork by providing open-air markets for product exhibitions. The county also planned to organize cultural weeks to encourage beadwork production and promote other local artifacts.

To further support the Ushanga Initiative, Kenya Red Cross West Pokot County Coordinator, Schola Kapello, announced that the organization would distribute solar lanterns to the women through UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). This support aimed to enhance the women's productivity and expand the reach of the Ushanga Initiative throughout the county.

Margaret Nguriatiang, a beneficiary of the Ushanga Initiative, attested to its life-changing impact on women's lives. She acknowledged that the training empowered women to provide for their families and seize greater opportunities. Nguriatiang urged the county to continue supporting initiatives that empower women, as they would become agents of change within their communities.

The Ushanga Initiative had already trained over 500 bead makers in the county, equipping them with the skills to produce high-quality bead designs that meet the current market's demands. The program's success demonstrated its potential to uplift women's economic status and contribute to local economic growth. 

During the closing ceremony held at KCB Lutheran, Deputy Governor Komole expressed his gratitude to the Ushanga Initiative and the Red Cross for their efforts in improving the quality of beadwork and transforming the lives of the women involved. As the Ushanga Program was under his office's jurisdiction, he pledged full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for women in providing for their families.