How Engineer Agnes Wachie is inspiring women to lead, support each other, and break barriers

Women have been urged to unite, support one another, and break free from limiting stereotypes in a bid to achieve their full potential and overcome societal perceptions that have long hindered their progress.

Speaking during the Usemi wa Kina Mama programme on West FM, the Bungoma County CECM for Education and Vocational Training, Engineer Agnes Wachie, emphasized the importance of women appreciating and uplifting each other rather than being divided by jealousy or competition. She challenged the long-held belief that “women are their own worst enemies,” calling for a shift in mindset to one of collaboration and mutual support.

“Women have for too long been viewed as weak vessels who tear each other down. The time has come for us to rise above this stereotype and focus on meaningful goals that can help us grow individually and collectively,” she stated.

Engineer Wachie also urged women to overcome the fear that they cannot succeed without a man’s support. She called on women to believe in themselves and reject cheap propaganda that undermines their potential.

A proud daughter of Wamono Village in Sirisia Sub-County, Lwandanyi Ward, Engineer Wachie shared her inspiring journey, highlighting the role of community support in her rise. She began her education at Lwandanyi Primary School, later joining Goibei Girls in Kakamega and eventually Lugulu Girls. Despite facing challenges that interrupted her schooling, she remained determined.

Her career began as a technician at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company. She later pursued a Higher National Diploma, followed by a university degree. After a brief teaching stint, she was employed by the Energy Regulatory Board as an Electrical Inspector an opportunity that came at a time when female engineers were gaining recognition.

“An empowered woman is one who believes in herself, speaks her truth, and stands up for her rights. She doesn’t necessarily need to fight for space, but through economic, social, and academic empowerment, she can bring transformation to her community,” she said.

Engineer Wachie encouraged women to overcome cultural barriers and reject outdated gender roles that confine them to domestic responsibilities. She noted that many young girls’ dreams are shattered due to poverty, leaving them vulnerable to predatory relationships that result in early pregnancies or exposure to diseases.

She called on men to support women in all spheres of life, pointing out that shared responsibilities would ease the burden in households. She dismissed the misconception that empowered women become disrespectful or disloyal to their families.

Wachie also applauded the progress in girls’ education compared to the past, where girls were often left at home to marry or perform chores while boys went to school. Despite ongoing challenges such as teenage pregnancies often caused by people close to the victims she acknowledged the positive impact of sensitization programs and capacity-building workshops in reducing the numbers.

She urged the judiciary to take firm action against perpetrators of sexual abuse to protect girls and deter future offenses.

In her efforts to uplift girls, Engineer Wachie has partnered with like-minded friends to launch the Motisha Initiative. The program has facilitated the construction of a library and dormitory in her home area and extended support to girls in regions like Tongaren and Homa Bay by providing them with essential supplies to sustain their education.

She also encouraged women to actively participate in well-structured merry-go-rounds and investment groups (chamas), highlighting their role in economic empowerment. However, she warned against mismanagement of such funds and urged members to maintain financial discipline and commitment to their shared goals.

Furthermore, she advocated for women to move from being mere consumers to becoming suppliers in local markets by utilizing available resources for self-development and entrepreneurship.

“Women must stop buying everything from the market. Let us become producers and suppliers. Let us use the resources around us to build something for ourselves and our communities,” she urged.

Engineer Agnes Wachie stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and self-belief.