Dec 20- 2023
On Thursday, 23rd November, 2023, H.E. Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana joined her counterpart, Mama Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya for the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Unifying Campaign for Kenya and the 14th Anniversary of the Joyful Women Organisation (JOYWO) at the Kasarani Sports Stadium in Nairobi.
JOYWO, an initiative of First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto was founded in 2009 to empower women economically through financial inclusion, skills development, market access and linkages to meet their basic needs and fulfil their potential. It operates a table banking model where groups of between 10 to 30 members gather every month to save and borrow money. It currently has a membership of over 180,000 and has been empowering and uplifting women in Kenya for the past 14 years.
OAFLAD Unifying Campaign, which focuses on closing the gender gap in Africa and ensuring that women and girls have access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities and are free from violence was simultaneously launched at the same event.
H.E Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya graced the occasion with his presence. Other dignitaries that participated in the event included H.E. Monica Geingos, First Lady of the Republic of Namibia and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and H.E. Mrs Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi.
Click here to enjoy some photos of the event.