Anita Byegon, the only elected woman in the Kericho County Assembly, is actively advocating for women’s empowerment and participation in leadership positions across various economic and social sectors.
Speaking at a Rotary Club forum Ms. Byegon emphasized the need to engage more women in public participation on various matters saying their voice and wisdom are needed in solving various issues affecting society.
The youthful Members of County Assembly disclosed that in her ward several empowerment projects she has initiated have tremendously benefitted women and enabled them to comfortably fend for their families.
For instance, she has supported the formation of small women groups that engage in table banking and kitchen garden projects to enhance their families’ food production. Ms. Byegon further intimated that she recently launched the “Days for Girls” program whose aim is to empower and support teenage girls with menstrual health education and washable sanitary pads at various primary and secondary schools within the County.
She said the fight against stigma amongst teenage girls due to lack of sanitary pads is still on expressing concern that in the villages many girls still suffer depression during their monthly periods.
“I am a very passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, as a young girl I could stay for 4 days at home due to a lack of sanitary pads. I went through situations that I wouldn’t want any other girl to experience, I would want to be a voice of change,” Stressed Ms. Byegon
Lastly, she said, her story is one of resilience and determination, rising from humble beginnings through the ranks, defying societal norms and expectations to a position of influence in society, and serving the community around her passionately to make a difference.