First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on the nation to unlock the full potential of women, saying their greatest barrier is access to financial capital and not a lack of ideas. She delivered this message during the 16th Anniversary Celebrations of Joyful Women (JoyWo) in Kasarani, Nairobi, where she highlighted powerful success stories that demonstrate the impact of empowering women economically.
Sharing the journey of women whose lives JoyWo has transformed, the First Lady said, “Mrs Gitobu from Meru, who joined a small group in 2013, grew her dairy farm and built rental properties, while Diana from Nairobi turned 500 shillings into 400,000 shillings and now runs Amari Dina, selling honey, peanut butter, and skincare products across supermarkets.”
She added, “These women show what happens when given opportunity. Women do not lack ideas. Women are diligent. They have only lacked access to financial capital.”
Rachel Ruto praised government programs including the Hustle Fund, the Nyota Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund, saying these initiatives are breaking long-standing financial barriers that have limited women’s progress for decades.
The First Lady also used the image of a growing mugumo tree to describe the organisation’s remarkable expansion over the past 16 years. “Joyful Women is no longer a seed, it is a mighty mugumo tree, rooted, unbreakable, and evergreen. Its roots are women of courage, vision, and determination spread across our counties,” she said.
She celebrated the unity and shared strength within the movement, noting, “Its branches are the opportunities we’ve created together, stretching across businesses, families, and communities. Its leaves are women who continue to grow, vibrant, multiplying hope and possibility.”
Looking ahead, Rachel Ruto expressed confidence that the next phase of JoyWo’s journey would be even more transformative. She encouraged women to embrace their influence and resilience, telling them, “My sisters, you are no longer the women who were told no. You created your own, yes. You are the backbone of this economy, the heartbeat of your homes and the architects of Kenya’s future.”
Founded by the First Lady in 2009, JoyWo has now empowered more than 20,000 women across all 47 counties, helping them build businesses, strengthen families and uplift communities.
President William Ruto, who attended the event, applauded the organisation’s achievements and the First Lady’s leadership. “Ningependa nimpongeze Mama Rachel kwa kuanzisha kikundi hiki ambacho kimefikia zaidi ya wanawake 2,050, miaka 16 baada ya kuanzishwa kwake,” he said.
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