Church participates in International Women's Day in Kenya

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On March 8, 2025, Homa Bay County in Kenya, hosted a vibrant celebration of International Women's Day at Tom Mboya University. The event, themed "Accelerating Action for All Women and Girls," brought together influential leaders and community members who passionately reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment

Celebrating Women's Achievements

The event celebrated the resilience, strength, and courage of women worldwide. It highlighted the contributions of trailblazers and everyday heroes who have made significant impacts in their communities, workplaces, churches, and homes. Women and girls were recognized and awarded for their efforts, innovations, and achievements in various fields, including politics, business, art, and social sectors. The Beijing + 30 Kenya Country Report was also symbolically launched.

Distinguished Guests and Speakers

The chief guest, Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, graced the occasion alongside the host, Her Excellency Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County. Other notable attendees included Ms. Anne Wangombe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, senior officials from the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Eminent women present comprising Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga(Wife to the Former Prime Minister of Kenya Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga) Amb. Maria Nzomo, PHD., EBS, MBS, and Hon. Dr. Linah Jebii Kilimo. Also present were Hon. Lady Justice Hannah Magondi Okwengu, Judge, Kenya Court of Appeal, Homa Bay Member of Parliament Hon. Peter Kaluma, Ms. Antonia Ngabala-Sodonon, UN Women Country Representative, Mr. Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Seychelles and Uganda and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT, Homabay County Commissioner, Moses Lilan, Sister Beatrice Oricho, Nyabondo Branch Relief Society President and Brother Eliud Owiyo, member from Oyugis Branch.

Key Messages and Commitments

In her address, Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto emphasized the importance of women's entrepreneurship programs, loans, and self-reliance initiatives. She encouraged women to raise their voices and actively contribute to the nation's growth saying: “As we launch the Beijing + 30 Kenya Country Report, we are proud of Kenya’s strides in promoting women’s rights.”

Governor Gladys Wanga highlighted the need for continued support for both boys' and girls' education and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule to address gender inequality stating: “The underlying issue is poverty, if we can empower women economically, families will also be blessed, the financial burden will be eased. On education, we must continue to support both boys and girls to pursue education and be mentored.”

Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Mrs Anne Wang’ombe reminded all the reasons why the day is celebrated: “As we commemorate this day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women and girls and those who support their cause across the world. We thank all our partners that made this day a reality including our partners The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints amongst others.”

Sister Beatrice Oricho, Relief Society President of the Nyabondo Branch, expressed her appreciation for the event, stating, "It was a very encouraging event. We have learned the problems we have, what the government can solve, the channels we can use to get help, and don't wait to be helped, help someone since there is always someone less powerful than you, less fortunate than you. Hold their hand, we will rise together. Governor Wanga is really working hard with others to solve the problems women are having."

Bro Eliud Owiyo from Oyugis Branch shared his excitement, saying, "I'm very happy to be part and parcel of this event, to be a witness and a representative of Brethren who could not all come. The impact was great, women were nurtured, and they were given necessary advice to maintain their homes through self-reliance initiatives using the channels shared with them. thank you so much, that is the spirit of charity, The relief society's motto is Charity never faileth. "

A Broader Commitment to Women's Rights

This year's International Women's Day coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which popularized gender mainstreaming as a strategy for ensuring that women's and men's needs and interests are reflected and addressed in all policies, laws, and programs. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a key participant in the event, reiterated its commitment to humanitarian efforts and civil society engagement, particularly in addressing issues related to women and girls.

Looking Forward

As the celebrations concluded, the message was clear: the journey towards gender equality and women's empowerment continues. The event served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure that women and girls can achieve their full potential.