The Power of a Mother: Millicent’s Legacy of Strength and Hope
In a world where resilience is often quietly lived, the story of Millicent Okeno shines like a beacon of strength, courage, and transformation. A widow and mother of three, Millicent’s life is a living testament to the power of determination and the impact of opportunity.
Her journey began in Ndhiwa, where she cultivated her modest farm into a source of sustenance and strength. From maize and bananas to roselle, fruit trees, and seaweed, each harvest was both a triumph and a promise—to feed her family and carve out a better life.
When Millicent lost her husband, she was left to raise three young daughters on her own. With their future uncertain, she chose not despair—but action. Millicent became the anchor of her family, rising to meet adversity with unmatched resourcefulness.
But Millicent’s vision extended far beyond the soil. Through Twende Pamoja’s women’s training programme, she learned to maximise the value of her land and tap into new income streams.
She embraced dressmaking, mastering the craft stitch by stitch. What began as a small initiative soon blossomed into a thriving business that helped fund her daughters’ education and inspire a ripple of economic empowerment in her community.
Thanks to her tireless dedication, Millicent ensured her daughters never missed a day of school. Today, two have graduated, and the youngest is still in college—a testament to a mother’s unwavering love and sacrifice.
And yet, Millicent’s impact doesn’t stop there.
She began volunteering at Karibuni as an assistant cook and, under the mentorship of her seniors, rose to the position of head chef. Her leadership led to the creation of a vocational training centre, where she introduced sewing classes and led her team in reproductive health education. She even mastered bead-making and weaving—skills she taught to others, continuing her legacy of upliftment.
In 2011, Millicent made a powerful exchange visit to the UK, where she eloquently presented the transformative impact of Team Kenya’s work in the Ndhiwa community. That moment was more than symbolic—it was a bridge between global solidarity and local change.
Even with her daughters now grown, Millicent continues to work tirelessly. She is a full-time dressmaker and supplements her income by crafting beaded jewellery and homemade liquid detergents. Beyond economics, her life choices defy tradition: choosing not to remarry or be inherited, she has boldly stepped away from the customary expectations of Luo culture. In doing so, she sends a powerful message to women everywhere: you are enough as you are.
Today, Millicent serves on the Board of Governance of Twende Pamoja, using her voice and lived experience to uplift other women. She is not only a role model—she is a changemaker.
Their stories are not just inspiring—they are the heartbeat of community transformation. At Twende Pamoja, we believe in the ripple effect of empowering one woman. Millicent proves that when a woman rises, her whole community rises with her.
Join us in supporting more women like Millicent. Together, we can build a world where mothers not only survive—but lead, thrive, and redefine what’s possible.
