In a bid to foster economic growth and empowerment among women entrepreneurs in Kenya, the CBI Kenya Women’s Economic Empowerment Project has been making significant strides. Recently, a training program was conducted aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship skills, instilling confidence, and promoting inclusive decision-making among women smallholder macadamia farmers. The training happened in Bungoma county. Let’s delve into the highlights of this transformative initiative.
Entrepreneurship Skills Training:
The training kicked off with a focus on equipping participants with the essential knowledge and skills to run successful enterprises. Through interactive sessions, participants explored the qualities of successful entrepreneurs and delved into the importance of systematic business planning and financial record-keeping. It became evident that proper financial management is critical for the sustainable growth of their businesses.
Empowering Through Gender Lens:
A pivotal aspect of the training was its gender-sensitive approach. Participants engaged in discussions to identify gender-specific challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship. Access to finance emerged as a significant hurdle, leading many women to explore alternative financial avenues like ‘chamas.’ Moreover, sessions on self-awareness and confidence-building underscored the importance of empowering women to overcome barriers and seize opportunities in their businesses.
Household Decision Making:
Recognizing the influence of household dynamics on business success, a session was dedicated to exploring inclusive decision-making within households. Participants shared insights into traditional gender roles and the impact on their businesses. Through candid discussions, they highlighted the benefits of collaborative decision-making and shared success stories of couples working together to drive business growth.
The training concluded on a hopeful note, with participants equipped with enhanced entrepreneurship skills, newfound confidence, and a deeper understanding of inclusive decision-making. We look forward to seeing the impact of the training in their respective businesses. The seeds of empowerment have been planted, promising a brighter future for women entrepreneurs within the macadamia farming sector in Bungoma County.
The CBI Kenya Women’s Economic Empowerment Project continues to pave the way for gender-responsive business support services, fostering sustainable economic growth and empowerment at the grassroots level. Through such initiatives, women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
