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:

• 310 women participated in vocational and entrepreneurship training.
• 40 businesses received intensive coaching to develop their operations.
• 1,600 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:

• We established 12 women’s savings and loan groups. One of them managed to save €12,000 in its first year — a significant achievement, considering many women earn only €2–5 per day.
• 1,168 women participated in vocational and entrepreneurship training. Nearly all of them have succeeded in building a stable income and saving money to start their own businesses.
• 6,008 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