Women are frequently the worst affected when it comes to unemployment and poverty and are often the sole income earners for the family. In particular those affected by HIV/AIDs are stigmatized by their communities and struggle to earn enough to support themselves and their families. In an economy where 80% of the jobs are in the informal sector, the project aims to empower vulnerable women in need of socio-economic independence through entrepreneurship.
Cultural norms in Kenya remain strong; women in Kenya maintain dual roles in the household economy and the labour market, whilst also relying heavily on men for economic security. Households which are affected by HIV/AIDs suffer greatly; women with the disease or those who are widowed as a result of the disease, are vulnerable and require support. This project provides the necessary opportunities for financial independence and a way out from poverty as well as combating HIV/AIDS stigma.
Empowerment of women through self-reliance and financial independence can be achieved by providing business skills and training. Using the skills and knowledge they have acquired, women can either start up their own small business or take a job. This project will provide tailoring training and a source of income for financial independence. Furthermore, the project seeks to end the stigma associated with HIV by demonstrating that HIV positive women are resilient, industrious and capable.
Key project outcomes include increased economic activity and employment of disadvantaged group of women affected by the HIV/AIDS, increased household income, reduced poverty, increased school attendance of beneficiaries children, improved nutrition and health of the beneficiaries and their families. The envisaged enlarged and improved cooperative setup will enable the project to train and prepare for business or employment more economically and socially disadvantaged women.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
