By Steve El Sabai
Widows from across Kenya gathered at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi for the Pre-International Widows Day 2026 celebrations, an event that brought together policymakers, legal experts, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners in a collective call for justice, dignity, inclusion, and economic empowerment for widowed persons.
The gathering served as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by widows across the country while advocating for stronger legal protections, improved access to justice, and greater economic opportunities. It also sought to amplify the voices of widowed persons and place their concerns at the center of national development conversations.
The event commenced with spiritual empowerment sessions led by Bishop Dolphina Onjula, who delivered messages of healing, restoration, resilience, and hope. Drawing from experiences shared by widows from various counties, she spoke candidly about the discrimination, abuse, property disputes, social exclusion, and economic hardships that many widows continue to endure long after the loss of their spouses.
Held under the theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspective,” the celebrations focused on the need for targeted interventions that address the unique vulnerabilities faced by widowed persons. Participants called for increased investment in empowerment programs, protection of inheritance and land rights, legal assistance, and social protection measures that can help widows rebuild their lives with dignity.
Economic empowerment featured prominently throughout the discussions. Speaking on behalf of Come Together Widows Sacco, Phideliah Kitolo underscored the importance of financial inclusion as a critical tool for improving the livelihoods of widows. She encouraged widowed persons to embrace savings and investment opportunities through sacco membership and financial literacy programs, noting that sustainable economic empowerment remains key to reducing poverty and vulnerability among widowed households.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of the proposed Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026, legislation designed to provide a comprehensive framework for protecting and advancing the rights of widowed persons in Kenya.
The presentation was delivered by Advocate Nyawira Wachira of L.N. Wachira & Co. Advocates and Mediators, who also chairs the Widowed Persons Protection Bill Development Committee. She outlined the Bill’s vision, objectives, and anticipated impact, emphasizing provisions aimed at strengthening legal safeguards, expanding social protection, promoting dignity, and ensuring widows are included in government empowerment initiatives.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Otiende Amollo, CBS, Member of Parliament for Rarieda Constituency and sponsor of the Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026. He highlighted the progress made in advancing the Bill and reaffirmed his commitment to championing legislation that protects vulnerable members of society. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between Parliament, government agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups in ensuring that widowed persons’ issues receive the attention they deserve.
Government commitment towards the protection and empowerment of widows was reiterated by Dr. Josephine Obonyo, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hon. Hannah Wendot Cheptumo. She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to create greater awareness on widowhood issues, establish safe spaces for widows, strengthen psychosocial support systems, and foster communities that uphold the dignity and rights of widowed persons without discrimination.
Mental health and emotional well-being also formed a significant part of the discussions. Through the organization’s Psychosocial Support Department, led by Ms. Alice Chomba, widows were encouraged to speak openly about their experiences, seek support when needed, and stand together in solidarity. The sessions emphasized the importance of healing, resilience, and community support in overcoming the emotional challenges associated with widowhood.
Health advocate Ms. Ann Mathu further urged widows to prioritize their physical and mental health by adopting positive coping mechanisms, avoiding drug and substance abuse, and promoting healthy family environments. She noted that strong families are fundamental to building resilient communities and improving the overall well-being of widowed households.
The event also received a goodwill message from Hon. Esther M. Passaris, Nairobi Woman Representative, who extended her best wishes to widowed persons across the country.
Participants acknowledged her continued support for vulnerable groups and her efforts to ensure that widowed persons remain part of empowerment and development initiatives.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Dianah Kamande, HSC, Founder of Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO), expressed profound gratitude to all widowed persons who travelled from different counties to participate in the celebrations, as well as to government representatives, legislators, development partners, civil society organizations, sponsors, faith leaders, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
Kamande noted that the journey towards achieving justice, dignity, and economic empowerment for widowed persons requires collective responsibility and sustained partnerships. She commended stakeholders for standing in solidarity with widows and reaffirmed CTWOO’s commitment to championing policies, programs, and legal reforms that uplift widowed persons and protect their rights.
She further called upon both state and non-state actors to accelerate efforts aimed at addressing the social, economic, and legal challenges facing widows, emphasizing that empowering widowed persons ultimately strengthens families, communities, and the nation at large.
As Kenya prepares to mark International Widows Day 2026, stakeholders used the Nairobi gathering to issue a strong call for action. They urged lawmakers, government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to work together in addressing the systemic barriers that continue to affect widowed persons.
The event concluded with renewed determination to advance legal reforms, strengthen economic empowerment initiatives, expand access to justice, and promote social inclusion for widows across Kenya. Participants expressed optimism that the Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026 could become a landmark piece of legislation that transforms the lives of widowed persons and safeguards their rights for generations to come.
The resounding message from the gathering was clear: widowhood should never translate into discrimination, poverty, exclusion, or loss of dignity. Widowed persons deserve protection, opportunity, and equal participation in society, and their voices must remain at the forefront of national development efforts.
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