The 5th Annual Kenya Women in Germany (KWIG) Event
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The 5th Annual Kenya Women in Germany (KWIG) event, held on September 8th in Mainz, showcased the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Kenyan women residing in Germany.
The occasion was honoured by the presence of Ambassador Isaiya Kabira who emphasized the significance of acknowledging and empowering Kenyan women in the diaspora. Ambassador Kabira's attendance underlined the Kenyan government's dedication to supporting its citizens abroad. In his address, he highlighted the crucial role that Kenyan women in the diaspora play in fostering economic growth and social development, both in their host country and in Kenya. He stressed the ongoing need for support and empowerment to ensure these women can fully realize their potential.
Serving as a platform for Kenyan women from across Germany to congregate, network, and celebrate their successes, the annual KWIG event focused on a range of critical topics. These included investment, entrepreneurship, dual citizenship, mobile consular services, gender-based violence, mental wellness, and economic and social empowerment. The discussions aimed to cultivate unity and purpose among Kenyan women in Germany while addressing key issues affecting their communities. A notable aspect of the event was the participation of key figures such as WIDU Africa Head of Programme Wolfram Zunzer, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Project Coordinator Welella Negussie, and Irene Karari, Director of the Skills and Expertise Division at the Diaspora Affairs department.
Their involvement significantly enriched the discussions by providing valuable insights and resources to assist Kenyan women in navigating the challenges they face. Wolfram Zunzer discussed the opportunities available through WIDU Africa, a program that supports African entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship. He encouraged attendees to leverage these resources for starting or expanding their businesses. Welella Negussie from IOM emphasized the importance of mental wellness and highlighted available resources to support the mental health of diaspora communities. Irene Karari elaborated on various initiatives by the Diaspora Affairs department aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of Kenyans abroad.
The event also featured a Mobile Consular Services (MCS) team led by Ambassador Kabira, providing essential services such as passport and ID card application and renewal. This initiative was well-received, making it more convenient for Kenyans in Germany to access these critical services without extensive travel. The MCS team has planned to continue their efforts in Hamburg on September 10th. The KWIG event included a vibrant daytime program with activities for children, live music performances, and a variety of African dishes. Business exhibitions allowed attendees to explore products and services offered by Kenyan entrepreneurs in Germany.