Navigating through the societal norms, practices and perspectives on key aspects of life, beating all odds to climb the ladder of political systems and history-making while defying cultural barriers in a masculine-dominated space with grit, the captain keeps the boat afloat amidst the raging waves of societal dysfunction.
Gladys Wanga is a fierce lioness who debuted in politics, a path attributed to her Father, a former Kisumu councillor, who rightly sowed this seed which has blossomed into an exemplary display of greatness, uniqueness and selflessness.
This can be seen in her administrative dispensation alongside her native role of being a wife and a mother of two children.
Tracing her political prowess back to her University days, Wanga was the first female to participate and win the elective seat as the General Secretary of the union of students at Kenyatta University.
This was besides her pursuant to her Bachelor’s and Masters Degree in Health Management in 2004 and 2012 respectively through which she later became the program manager at Africa Rock Art and Liverpool VCT Care and Treatment.
Aggressive Ascent: Scaling Heights in the Political Landscape
In a society where power has been disparately distributed, She dared the legislative sphere after winning the Homa Bay Woman Representative seat in 2013 becoming a member of parliamentary committees including the Parliamentary Service Commission and was elected the first woman commissioner ever in the Kenyan parliament history.
In her second term as the Woman representative in the 12th Parliament, Wanga chaired the Department of Finance and National planning committee as well as being the member of Labour and Social Welfare Committee where she spearheaded the formation of the Information and Public Communication Committee in her legislative jurisdictions.
Wanga’s aggressiveness saw her scale high in the political systems and contested for the fiercely competitive gubernatorial seat of HomaBay county that attracted Five men and won adding to her bank of Firsts, she is the first Female governor in Western Region and Homabay County.
Upholding “Genowa”: Nurturing Hope Amidst Criticism
Upholding her slogan ‘Genowa’ Our hope, she embodies a true reflection of nurture and retention in dispensation while constantly fighting cruelty from biased critics, she displays civilization and decorum in her call to serve and champion Inclusive nation building and equality in society.
Since her ascension to power, Homa Bay County has been greatly transformed through her robust administration of change and restoring the lost glory of the county by her predecessors’ ill doings.
Her proactive style of leadership has prioritized women’s practical needs and issues in local government policies taking a paradigm shift in development and service delivery.
Sigand Nyinam: Celebrating Women of Valor
Governor Wanga hosted the inaugural meeting of Sigand Nyinam on December 8, 2023 bringing all women leaders of the lake basin region converging to create a platform to celebrate women of valour in the lake basin region and a discussion on the triple threat to girl-child which is HIV infection, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies hanging suspended over the well being of a girl child.
The event themed to shake off the overdue stretch in violating the rights of the female gender making the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in the country.
The Sigan Nyiman event was graced by turquoise regalia that symbolize peace, prosperity, love and intuition which harmonizes the key existence of a fruitful society.
The turquoise elegance aided the women to stand their ground and voice out their opinions, to get out of their shells, shatter the walks around them and break loose from their cages, find their wings and fly to the heights of greatness and into the spaces of opportunities until they spot their destinations of landing in achievements.
Unlocking Potentials: The 2nd Homa Bay International Investment Conference
Having been endorsed by President William Ruto, she has started an oil palm farming initiative, a role that she is mandated to lead other stakeholders in implementing this sustainable and profitable economic builder around the country.
This initiative is to produce edible oils through oil palm farming which will see the country cut on imported oils.
She is also set to host the second Homa Bay International Investment Conference attracting investors, business partners and stakeholders worldwide to converge and help unlock the Bay of endless potentials alongside other value chains like cotton, sunflower and fishing.
Just like the theme states, Wanga is a rare gem of leadership that has openly and decisively unlocked the endless potential of excellent administrative performance from women who over time has been disregarded and undermined.
Great focus to dig deep into the social ills that have sidelined the women who often bear the weight of its consequences.
The formidable woman brings a diverse perspective, and freshness and fosters inclusion contributing to national building.
Indeed the greatest power of a woman is absolutely to be a woman.
polycarp ochieng 
KTMN Reporter