Background / Context

In Nairobi’s informal settlements, many women face economic exclusion and limited access to education or formal jobs. Most survive through unstable, low-paying casual work that barely meets basic needs. Poverty levels are high, with women unable to afford school fees, healthcare, or nutritious food for their families. Without skills and opportunities, they remain dependent, perpetuating cycles of inequality. Vocational training was identified as a pathway to empower women to earn independent income, strengthen resilience, and uplift communities.

Objectives

To provide women with tailoring and small business skills, enabling them to generate income, achieve financial independence, and improve family wellbeing.

Approach

One Africa Foundation, through Mama Africa Cares, recruited 200 women from community groups into a six-month program. Training included tailoring, garment design, and business management. Graduates received start-up kits with sewing machines, fabric, and marketing support. Women were encouraged to form cooperatives, pooling resources for production and bulk fabric purchases. Partnerships with local schools secured contracts for uniforms, guaranteeing markets. Peer mentoring circles offered ongoing support and confidence-building.

Impact / Outcomes

Within a year, 75% of graduates had launched businesses or joined cooperatives. Household incomes increased by an average of 50%, enabling families to pay school fees and improve diets. Women gained confidence, with some taking leadership roles in community savings groups. Schools benefited from affordable uniforms, creating a local supply chain. The project built lasting economic resilience by ensuring women were not just trained, but sustainably linked to markets.

Beneficiary Voice

“I never imagined I could support my children alone. Today, my tailoring business pays for school fees and puts food on the table,” said Grace, a program graduate.