In Kenya, almost half of the population live below the poverty line, and multiple individuals do not have access to the most basic services, including water, health care and education.
W4’s field partner, Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) runs a Women’s Empowerment Program that provides training in business and practical entrepreneurship skills to women living with HIV in the Kibera slums, and allows them to earn a living wage by producing and selling unique products such as tablet cases, yoga bags, and beaded jewelry.
The women are trained in financial literacy and specific trade skills, such as tailoring and even the art of making peanut butter or soap!
While acquiring skills and establishing a sustainable source of revenue, the women also benefit from the program’s social events, helping them to bond with and support each other. After they graduate from the program, the women become eligible for seed capital to start their own businesses through SHOFCO’S Group Savings and Loans Program.