Shaping the Future of Women in Business

In the wee hours of the morning, in the calm city of Mombasa, the people are up early, and there is jubilation from the women, men, and children. It is a happy moment for everyone in the community. The streets are alive with the sound of laughter and the patter of feet as the residents of Mombasa gather to celebrate a momentous occasion. This is unlike any other day in the city where the bustling market stalls, the vibrant street vendors, and the constant honking of car horns are the norm. Today, however, the atmosphere is different; a palpable sense of joy and anticipation permeates the air. 39 women entrepreneurs are graduating and completing intensive business training from Mombasa Small Business Development Centers, part of the USAID Strategic Partnership Program – Kenya SBDC. And they are ready to face the world.

The 39 women in business represented diverse businesses, from small-scale farming and fish trading to boutique ownership and market vending. Over 21000 months, the women were taken through an intensive business training program. They were equipped with practical, real-world solutions to run their businesses effectively and sustainably, serving the needs of their communities and improving their livelihoods. The training included modules on financial management, marketing strategies, and business ethics. The training was not just theoretical, but it instilled confidence and reassurance in the women, who knew they had the tools to succeed.

As the 39 women graduated, Compassion International, a key partner in the program, played a pivotal role. Their generous contribution of Kes 18,700 to each woman was a significant boost to jump-start their businesses. This support, in addition to the training, was instrumental in the women’s success. Their overwhelming joy and enthusiasm for starting their ventures and for others upscaling their already existing businesses was a testament to the power of collaboration.

The training provided was a clear indication of a paradigm shift from the harmful social norms of women’s role in society and how, through emotional support, women can gain more power and influence in the business world and pacesetters in their respective communities and become economically empowered to improve the lives and livelihood of the family.

”Through the training and continuous follow-ups from Mombasa SBDC, I started outdoor food vending and have been able to rent a room and employ two ladies. Through the same business, I have taken my firstborn son to secondary and paid all fees for him 21000,” says Furaha Mbogo, one of the training beneficiaries. Her success story and those of her fellow graduates are a testament to the program’s impact and the stakeholders’ contribution.

With joy, enthusiasm, and hope for a better tomorrow, the women were confident that with the skills instilled, they were ready to conquer the world and tell their story of resilience and innovation to create businesses that speak of their community values. A meal was shared, and celebratory songs were sung to toast the success of the 39 women ready to conquer the world, assured of changing their lives and the livelihoods of their communities.

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At the heart of the USAID Strategic Partnership Program lies a steadfast commitment, a dedication that knows no bounds, to empowering women entrepreneurs, transforming their livelihoods, and paving the way for a sustainable future through practical solutions. This commitment is not just a statement but a lived reality, as evidenced by the success stories of the 39 women entrepreneurs in Mombasa.