Somali women launch empowerment movement

Hundreds of Somali women on Monday marched from Isiolo Town to the Rural Agricultural Training Institute where they officially launched a new women’s movement with song and dance.

The movement, dubbed Somali Women Consortium (SOWENCO), is a creation of 30 Somali Women groups from across Isiolo County.

Speaking in Isiolo Town on Monday during the ceremony, various leaders lauded the idea, insisting that it will go a long way towards advocating for the empowerment of Somali women.

SOWENCO Chair Lady, Anab Kassim, said that the association is mainly business oriented but will also offer the much needed platform for the community to educate their girls.

She said that 60 per cent of the money raised by the movement would be channeled towards sustainable business investments while 10 per cent will cater for girl child education.

“We will combat negative social practices like female genital mutilation and ensure that the community is not left behind when it comes to political leadership, appointments and awarding of contracts”, she said.

Kassim said that the group would begin by purchasing a modern bus that will ply the Nairobi-Moyale route and also install camel milk dispensers across the country.

She further urged Kenyans to support women who will vie for various seats in the coming General Election.

Written by Diing Magot