March 8, 2024, Lodwar (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana’s First Lady, Lilian Ekamais, led the County in commemorating International Women’s Day 2024 at Lorugum, an annual event observed globally on March 8th.

Accompanied by Turkana’s Women Representative, Cecilia “Ishuu” Ngitit, the First Lady emphasized the importance of a budgeting process that prioritizes women’s inclusion in everyday financial decisions and grants them a meaningful voice.

“We must ensure that our voices are heard, and the budgeting process prioritizes the needs of women,” First Lady Lilian Ekamais said.

The First Lady committed to leverage her position to advocate for women’s inclusion in budgeting and intensify the fight against gender-based violence, providing a platform for women to speak out against such atrocities.

Hon Cecilia Ngitit, re-echoed the call for a gender-sensitive budgeting process as championed by the First Lady and emphasized the need for women to unite against femicide and all kinds of violence against them.

“As women leaders, our role is to stand firm and support efforts to eliminate femicide, protecting our daughters, sisters, and mothers from the real threat of death,” said the legislator.

The day was commemorated at Baraza Park, Lorugum in Loima sub-county.

In addition to speeches, the First Lady and her team visited Turkana Girls National School, Kospir, and Lorugum Primary Schools, distributing self-care kits and offering mentorship to the learners.

Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, and other top county officials also accompanied the First Lady.