By John Kariuki
The vibrant MYWO Board Retreat in Sagana is a pivotal gathering driving transformative change for women across Kenya. Among the distinguished leaders present is the Principal Secretary Susan Auma Mang’eni of the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mwanaisha Chidzuga.
In her compelling address to the MYWO Board members, the Principal Secretary emphatically called upon the board to harness its expansive grassroots network as a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment and inclusive development. She underscored the critical role of women at the community level as agents of growth and resilience, urging the board to amplify their impact by championing opportunities that unlock women’s potential across all sectors.
PS Mang’eni’s message resonated deeply, emphasizing that empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a policy objective but a national imperative for sustainable economic transformation. She highlighted that women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Kenya’s economy and stressed the need to support them through capacity-building, innovative financing, and improved market access.
She challenged the board to strategically leverage their unique position to foster innovation and scale grassroots initiatives that drive tangible change in communities. PS Mang’eni emphasized that inclusive development requires removing barriers women face, such as limited access to capital, training, and technology, and urged MYWO to lead in bridging these gaps.
Her visionary leadership embodies a new era for MSMEs, where inclusivity and grassroots engagement become the cornerstone of Kenya’s economic future. The Principal Secretary’s presence and stirring words serve as a clarion call to action—igniting renewed commitment to advancing women’s economic rights and uplifting communities nationwide.
The momentum at the MYWO retreat signals a bold step forward, propelled by leaders like Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni who champion the empowerment of women.