Economic empowerment to 100 refugee women

This report will address the progress made for the months of August, September and October.

Tushirikiane Africa continues to empower women through capacity building and financial literacy. During this period, 320 women were trained, and sectors in which they are involved were identified. There are those involved in vitenge, others sell screen protectors, and others are in export businesses.

During this period, 13 self-help groups, comprising 150 women, were formed in the areas of Kasarani, Mwiki, Githurai, Rongai, and Riruta. Three women were also provided with loans of Ksh 15,000, Ksh 80,000 and Ksh 20,000 respectively. The loans were to help them boost their businesses, which were unique and innovative in their own ways.

Challenges and the way forward.

One of the challenges that was identified during these sessions is that women in some regions were being harassed and even being robbed.

Lack of funds to support these women remains the main challenge to these women. Therefore, they are not able to boost their capital.

Way forward.

Group formation of women in business. As a group women will attract joint support due to their common goal, motivate, encourage and build each other’s confidence. In groups, there is peer learning.

Continuous counselling and health education to enable women take care of themselves and their families with ease especially on mental health. Through health education, women will be better placed to identify changes in their children as some may be using drugs without their knowledge. “Our health, our responsibility” (Afia yetu, jukumu letu).

• Some of the basket made by women (PDF)
  

This report will cover the progress made from April to July. During this period, Tushirikiane Africa has been able to provide training to 363 women in Kayole, Githurai, Rongai and Riruta. The trainings have focused on forming self-help groups for women. The self-help groups will act as a support group for these women, both financially and mentally. Financially, they will be able to secure loans to boost their businesses and enable them to pursue impactful projects as a group.

Mentally, these women will be able to have a platform where they can express themselves and discuss issues that affect them. This will also enable the organisation to provide tailored assistance that they might need. During this period, the organisation has introduced financial support to support women who are engaged in various business categories. This includes peanut butter making, selling cassava and its products and selling vitenge. 22 members have also been able to graduate to become mental health ambassadors to the grassroot population.