Hon.Scholastica Masidis MCA from South East Alego, Siaya County has highlighted the struggles widows face and has pledged her commitment to support the Siaya widows protection Bill.
Speaking on Wednesday February 12,2025 after a stakeholders meeting in a bid to strengthen the Bill for committee processes and enactment conducted by Rona Foundation the MCA came in support and championing of widows rights.
The MCA stated that tabling the Bill for consideration into a law ,is a crucial step towards justice & dignity for widows in Siaya and the community at large.
The Bill which is set to be before the county assembly floor awaiting enactment after the house resumes sittings, is for an Act of the County Assembly of Siaya to establish the Siaya County Welfare Committee for the protection and maintenance of neglected ,abandoned and destitute Widows; to establish the Siaya County Widows Welfare Fund and connected purposes.
This pending Bill will ensure that various issues affecting widows such as welfare , housing and the right to own property, including those left behind by the deceased husband are taken care of by government.
Citing her own personal experience as a fellow widow, the legislature affirmed her involvement and help in championing widows bill , a bill supported by Rona Foundation.
“As a widow myself , I am passionate about widows , there are so many issues of widows governed by traditions and cultural practices infringing on the rights of women, ” she said.
She stated that she is key in rallying fellow legislatures especially men in tabling bill before the house and enacting it before the year ends.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo, the legislature said, is also in support of the bill and has urged the assembly to move with speed to enact the Bill before this year’s International Widows day on June 3,2025.
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