Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) dons have challenged widows not to give up in life and allow themselves to be boxed into poverty following the demise of their spouses.The dons, under the JOOUST ladies network, are now calling on widows to pick themselves up and use the various initiatives launched by both the government and other non-state actors to improve their economic status and families.They were speaking at JOOUST, Siaya Campus this morning when the network donated several items to widows from Siaya township ward, as part of celebrations to mark this year's Mazingira Day.Led by the Director of Quality Enhancement and Assurance, Professor Pamela Raburu, the dons said they will continue working together with communities to improve the lives of the vulnerable members of the society.'Widows have a lot of challenges. We want to encourage you not to accept to be pinned down to poverty just because you are a widow,' said Prof Raburu who represented JOOUST vice chan cellor, Prof Emily Akuno.She urged widows to drop the stigma that they are lesser beings than their counterparts with spouses, saying that they should instead venture into economic activities that will boost their economic and social status.Siaya Township Ward Member of the County Assembly, Mr Obiero Otare hailed the JOOUST ladies network for the initiative, adding that Siaya leaders were ready to partner with it to improve widows and orphans' lives.The Alego / Usonga Constituency widows' chairperson, Josephine Atieno Muga thanked the university dons for the support and called for unity amongst members.Source: Kenya News Agency