Kenya

Supporting women entrepreneurs in the creative sector

In early 2024, we launched a new project for women living in Nairobi’s informal settlements and around the refugee camps of northern Turkana. We support women who, for various reasons, are in a vulnerable position, but whose creative businesses have strong growth potential.

Last year:

• 636 women participated in entrepreneurship training.
• 513 new businesses have been established, 207 of them last year.
• 770 new jobs have been created in businesses founded by women.
• 3,500 family members now have a more secure life, thanks to the women’s increased incomes.

We also organized numerous networking events, and the women themselves established a support network for creatives.

Supporting women in the circular economy

In 2021, we started a project that offers women living in slums employment and business opportunities in the circular economy in Nairobi and Mombasa. Women receive training in sorting, processing, and making use of recyclable materials.

Workplace safety is a key component of the project, which takes place near massive landfills. The aim is also to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste generation.

We work together with the local circular economy company, TakaTaka Solutions.

Last year:

• 1,480 women participated in vocational skills training.
• 224 women are members of 13 savings groups and have access to small loans..
• 7,600 family members now live more securely. Women say they can now provide their children with better nutrition and ensure they attend school.

Photo: Elisabeth Wahito trained to become a fork-lift driver with the support of Women´s Bank. Photo: Natalia Jidovanu