Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother, celebrating her resilience and sacrifices as the world marked International Widows Day on June 23.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Omanga revealed that her mother was widowed at a young age and was left with the daunting task of raising eight children single-handedly.
The politician described her mother as the strongest woman she has ever known, recalling the difficult journey she endured after losing her husband.
“As World Widows Day comes to an end, I cannot let this day pass without honoring the woman who shaped my life, my mother,” Omanga wrote.
She revealed that as the firstborn child, she witnessed firsthand the struggles her mother faced while trying to provide for her family.
“My mother became a widow and was left to raise eight children on her own. As her firstborn, I witnessed the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, the worries she carried in silence, and the strength she showed even when life seemed overwhelming,” she said.
According to Omanga, her mother’s determination never wavered despite the challenges that came with raising a large family alone.
“I saw a woman who refused to give up. A woman who turned pain into purpose, hardship into determination, and uncertainty into hope for her children,” she added.
The former senator said her mother’s story mirrors the experiences of countless widows across Kenya who continue to shoulder immense responsibilities while often receiving little recognition.
“Today, when I think of widows across Nairobi and Kenya, I think of women like my mother, women who carry families on their shoulders, who fight battles no one sees, and who continue to stand strong for the people who depend on them,” she stated.
Omanga noted that International Widows Day holds special significance for her because it reminds her of her mother’s courage and the struggles endured by widows worldwide.
“World Widows Day is not just a date on the calendar for me. It is deeply personal. It is a reminder of the resilience, dignity, and courage of countless women whose contributions often go unnoticed,” she said.
She also sent a message of encouragement to widows everywhere, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to their families.
“To every widow, I honor your strength. I honor your sacrifice. I honor your unwavering love. Your journey matters, and your voices deserve to be heard,” she wrote.
Concluding her tribute, Omanga pledged to continue supporting widows and advocating for their welfare.
“My mother’s story lives in me, and through it, I will always stand with widows and the families they hold together every day,” she said.
Why International Widows Day Matters
International Widows Day is observed annually on June 23 and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2010 to highlight the challenges faced by widows across the world.
The day seeks to draw attention to issues such as poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, violence, and lack of access to inheritance rights that many widows continue to experience.
According to the United Nations, there are more than 258 million widows worldwide, with many struggling to access social protection, employment opportunities, and legal rights after the loss of their spouses.
In many communities, widows continue to face stigma and economic hardship despite playing a crucial role in holding families together.
In Kenya, widows remain among the most vulnerable groups in society, particularly in rural areas where cultural practices and property disputes can leave women economically disadvantaged after the death of a spouse.
Advocacy groups have continued to push for stronger protections and support systems to ensure widows can live with dignity and security.
Through her deeply personal tribute, Omanga not only celebrated her mother’s remarkable journey but also shone a spotlight on the silent struggles and extraordinary strength of widows across Kenya and beyond.
Her message resonated as a reminder that behind many successful families are women who, despite immense loss, choose every day to keep moving forward.
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