Nyanza RC urges church to step up efforts against social vices

Homa Bay

Sunday 29th Oct. 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

Nyanza Regional Commissioner (RC) Flora Mworoa has urged the church to step up efforts in the fight against social vices affecting communities.

Mworoa said that the lake region was afflicted by rampant cases of gender-based violence.

She said the government had put in place interventions to curb the vice but was banking on the church to supplement the efforts.

 Ms Mworoa called on religious leaders to work closely with the government in eradicating GBV, female genital mutilation, and other outdated cultural practices.

 "Let the church spread the word that these vices are illegal and unchristian," the RC said.

Ms Mworoa spoke today when she attended a service at African Inland Church Homa Bay where 125 women trained in economic empowerment graduated.

The RC said it was a worrying trend that at least 60 cases of defilement were reported in Nyanza in September alone adding that many others may have gone unreported.

 "We must use every available resource to address the problem and the church plays a crucial role.,” Ms Mworoa said.

She said the region cannot get its desired economic growth if women and girls continue to be subjected to injustices.

The 125 women from the church were trained on various means of how they could be economically empowered.

 Ms Mworoa used the opportunity to encourage them to apply for government loans including Women Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund.

AIC South Nyanza Bishop Bernard Ondiek said one of the problems women in Nyanza face is a lack of economic empowerment.

 He said several women do not have a source of income and depend on their husbands for support.

 Bishop Ondiek said women need to be financially independent to support their families.

Some of the beneficiaries of the training said they will use the acquired skills to empower others who are yet to be trained.

Ms Pamela Ondiek said the training will enable women in the church to help the needy.

 "We will share issues affecting us and come up with solutions," she said.

Courtesy; KNA