Women Teachers Push for Mental Wellness and Breastfeeding Centres to Support Educators and Learners

 Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer photo coutesy by Elijah Odanga

Mercy Odhiambo, Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) Homa Bay County

The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) Homa Bay County Coordinator, Mercy Odhiambo, has called for urgent action to improve mental wellness support for teachers and the establishment of breastfeeding centres to enhance early childhood development and school enrolment.

Speaking during the Elimu Yetu Coalition forum held in Nairobi, Odhiambo said she represents women teachers, most of whom serve at the elementary level, and emphasized the need to address challenges that directly affect teachers’ wellbeing and productivity.

Odhiambo noted that while many organizations focus on mental wellness programmes for students, teachers are often overlooked, yet they face daily pressure in their professional and personal lives.

> “We are doing a number of activities, but I want to highlight two key areas. The first is mental wellness. Teachers also need structured mental health support to ensure they are mentally well and able to deliver quality education,” she said.

She revealed that KEWOTA is planning to establish mental wellness centres for teachers and appealed to both the national and county governments to partner with the association so that such centres can be set up within counties, reducing the need for teachers to travel to national headquarters for services.

On the second issue, Odhiambo underscored the importance of breastfeeding centres, calling for the implementation of a Bill previously sponsored by Nominated MP Sabina Chege, which provides for such facilities.

Breastfeeding is like teaching every day. We must give it the attention it deserves,” she said.

She explained that the proposed breastfeeding centres would support children from infancy until they join PP1, a move she said would not only support working mothers but also increase enrolment in early childhood education.

Odhiambo called on county governments, governors, stakeholders, and partners to collaborate in establishing fully equipped breastfeeding centres, including proper nutrition support.

She added that KEWOTA is already working with partners involved in child nutrition programmes and has engaged county health departments to ensure nutritionists are part of the initiative.

We have documented these proposals and submitted them to county government offices. Our goal is to ensure that as children stay within these centres, their nutrition and overall wellbeing are fully taken care of,” she said.

KEWOTA reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies and programmes that support women teachers, learners, and young children, urging government agencies to fast-track collaboration and implementation.