MYWO Celebrates Legacy of Hon. Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, Icon of Women’s Rights and Leadership

Photo: late Patron, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, OGW, CBS

The Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) has paid a moving tribute to its late Patron, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, OGW, CBS, describing her as a trailblazer and matriarch whose leadership transformed the landscape of women’s rights and public life in Kenya.

Addressing the press at the organization’s headquarters, MYWO National Chairperson Mrs. Rahab Muiu delivered a heartfelt statement eulogizing Mama Asiyo, who passed away recently.

“We gather here today with heavy hearts to honor and remember our beloved Patron,” Muiu said. “She was a distinguished stateswoman, a fearless voice, and a towering figure in Kenya’s women’s empowerment movement.”

Mama Phoebe Asiyo, remembered fondly as a pioneer and powerful advocate for gender equality, was celebrated for her decades-long commitment to uplifting women from all walks of life. One of her most defining moments came when she led a delegation of women to Kapenguria to meet Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta a bold move that sowed the early seeds of affirmative action.

“Her courage in stepping into male-dominated spaces paved the way for the increased presence of women in leadership and governance today,” Muiu remarked. “She dared to dream of a future where women would sit at the decision-making table as equals.”

The late Dr. Asiyo also made history as MYWO’s first African President, a position she pursued to ensure the African woman’s voice was authentically represented.

“To us, she was not only a leader, but our compass and conscience,” said Muiu, reflecting on the close mentorship and guidance Mama Phoebe offered across generations.

Quoting from Asiyo’s memoir It Is Possible, Muiu reminded the country that “change is within our grasp,” calling on Kenyans to continue building on the foundation the late icon laid.

Making her remarks,Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Eve Obara noted that the County is poised to lead the way in women’s political empowerment, praised the county’s growing record of female representation as a model for the rest of the country.

Obara emphasized the need for political parties to actively support and uplift women candidates, noting that her party, ODM, has already set a positive example. She revealed that ODM now awards direct tickets to women who garner over 50% support in internal party polls, a move she described as a game-changer in eliminating systemic barriers that often hinder women’s participation in politics.

“Rest well, Mama. You ran your race and paved the way,” concluded Muiu. “We will carry your torch and miss you dearly.”