The Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) has officially opened its new county office in Mandera, known as Maendeleo ya Wanawake Plaza, marking a major milestone in its ongoing agenda of empowering women at the grassroots level.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by local leaders, women’s groups, county officials, and community members who gathered to celebrate the achievement.
The newly launched plaza is expected to serve as a central hub for coordinating development programmes, advocacy efforts, business-building support, and training initiatives in Mandera County and beyond.
Mandera County MYWO Chairlady Ubah Gedi hailed the establishment of the plaza as a transformative move for the women of the region.
“This is a big step forward for women in Mandera. We now have a permanent space to organize, meet, and advocate for our rights,” said Ms Gedi.
Ubax Abdi, a woman from Mandera who also addressed the gathering, stressed the importance of bringing MYWO services closer to communities in need.
“These new offices are not just a symbol of growth but a reflection of our commitment to bring services closer to the women who need them most. From here, we will coordinate programmes on education, economic empowerment, and the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.
She encouraged women across Mandera to register with MYWO so that they could fully benefit from the organization’s resources and programs.
Ubax also called on women to embrace unity and mutual support, emphasizing that collective progress was key to meaningful change.
Other women leaders present at the event expressed their joy at the opening of the plaza, calling it a “game changer” for women’s economic growth and local development.
The launch of the Mandera office is part of a broader MYWO strategy aimed at expanding its grassroots presence and ensuring that rural women have easier access to support services.
Mandera County Governor Mohamed Khalif welcomed the move and pledged full support from the county government.
“We are committed to supporting the women of Mandera. As a county government, we will initiate any kind of support necessary to ensure their empowerment,” he said.
The Governor also urged the national government to provide more support to MYWO, recognizing its vital role in national development.
With over one million members across Kenya, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization continues to play a pivotal role in women’s empowerment, leadership development, and social justice.
By Adan Mohamed
