According to the Kenya Women’s Empowerment Index (by KNBS, the State Department for Gender, UN Women, and UNICEF), only 29% of Kenyan women can actively participate in political, economic, and cultural life due to household circumstances.
Female entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa is notably high, with one in four women engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activities (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor).
However, women entrepreneurs face challenges like unequal access to financial opportunities (51% of women vs. 75% of men in Kenya, Global Findex) and lack of confidence, risk-taking, and cultural barriers. The WSEI caters to these needs, offering a supportive community.
Supporting these women can help them transition from “survival” entrepreneurship to sustainable income generation, benefitting the community by creating jobs, including vulnerable populations, and preserving cultural heritage.
The support provided is long-term (6+ months) and composed of several layers: training, coaching, connecting and access to IOME.254 innovation hub.
The WSEI also encourages peer-support and a spirit of community and solidarity, while providing tailor-made connections and individual advisory.
It is hosted in an IOME.254 innovation hub where the beneficiaries can access to computers and a safe space to work.
The WSEI relies on the strong network of the Red-Cross staff members, volunteers and life coaches who are involved as trainers, coaches or connectors.
