WCI's unique model is a breakthrough in programming to support the empowerment of women living in slums. WIthin three months, 374 women registered as members of Baraka Women's Center. They are engaged in Entrepreneur and Leadership Training, Literacy Training and a special initiative to address and prevent gender-based violence in their community. Their ambition is continually fostered through their new-found unity, a safe environment and access knowledge, mentoring and capital.
In Nairobi, 60% percent of the residents live in slums, with an unemployment rate of at least 40%. In slums, many women have not advanced beyond an 8th grade education They depend on menial jobs for subsistence income.They face numerous health problems - including epidemic violence and abuse - with little access to health care. They endure poor sanitation and have limited access to clean water. They are eager for tools that enable them to begin effective transformation of their lives.
WCI's model for Women's Centers uniquely addresses the underlying causes of women's marginalization - isolation, threats to personal safety, lack of access to knowledge and capital, and lack of managerial capacity. The integration of protection, training by local partners and a focus on self-sustainability means that WCI develops community-based organizations for and by women. The Centers offer safety, foster unity and provide the tools for integrated learning across the full spectrum of needs.
The Center is designed be a resource for the development of women living in chronic poverty. Baraka Women's Center registered 374 members within three months.They are engaged in training to make their businesses more profitable, their children better fed and educated and their community safer. Through continuous mentoring, WCI builds the capacity of members to manage the Center and to expand its programs in a self-sustaining way within two years. Over 2,000 community members benefit.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
