In the quiet village of Kasiger in Ugenya Constituency, 50-year-old Gorety Juma Okoth has known more than her share of sorrow.
The loss of two of her children could have broken her, but instead, she has found strength in the three she still holds close.
“Life has not been easy,”Gorety admits, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting years of pain. “But I cannot give up. My children need me.”
Her resilience has not gone unnoticed. Through the Widows Empowerment Program, Gorety’s life has been transformed—not just with material support, but with something far more profound: hope.
For years, Gorety lived in a small, dilapidated structure in a nearby center, struggling to provide for her family. The grief of losing two children weighed heavily on her, but she pushed forward, determined to create a better life for those who remained.
“Every day was a battle,”she recalls. “Food was scarce, and shelter was unstable. I worried constantly about my children’s future.”
Her story is not unique in rural Kenya, where widows often bear the brunt of poverty, left to fend for themselves and their children with little support. But for Gorety, a turning point came when she was selected for the Widows Empowerment Program.
The program, which focuses on restoring dignity and stability to widows, recently gifted Gorety a brand-new home—a safe, sturdy structure that has changed her family’s life.
“When I saw the house for the first time, I couldn’t believe it,” she says, her face lighting up. “For so long, we had nothing. Now, we have a place to call our own.”
The home is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents security, comfort, and the promise of a fresh start.
“My children finally have a place where they can sleep peacefully,” Gorety adds. “That is a blessing I will never take for granted.”
More than a house—A movement of empowerment
The Widows Empowerment Program goes beyond providing shelter. It seeks to uplift widows economically and socially, ensuring they have the tools to rebuild their lives.
“This is not just about building houses,” explains a program representative. “It’s about restoring dignity, giving these women a foundation so they can thrive. When a widow has stability, her entire family benefits.”
For Gorety, the impact has been profound. With a secure home, she can now focus on small-scale farming and petty trade, gradually improving her family’s livelihood.
“I used to spend all my energy worrying about where we would sleep,” she says. “Now, I can think about tomorrow.”
Gorety’s strength in the face of adversity has inspired those around her. Neighbors and fellow widows see her as proof that change is possible, even after unimaginable loss.
“Gorety is a fighter,” says a close friend. “No matter what life throws at her, she keeps going. Her courage gives the rest of us hope.”
Though the pain of losing her children will never fully fade, Gorety refuses to let grief define her future.
“I still miss them every day,” she says softly. “But I have to keep living—for myself and for my children who are still here.”
Gorety’s story highlights the struggles of widows across Kenya—and the transformative power of targeted support. While her journey is far from over, she now faces it with renewed strength.
“To anyone who has helped widows like me, I say thank you,”she says with quiet gratitude. “And to those who can help, please do. A small act can change a life.”
As the sun sets over her new home, Gorety watches her children play in the yard—a simple, joyful sight that once seemed out of reach.
“This is just the beginning,”she says, smiling. “We have a home. Now, we can dream again.”
