Addressing Community Issues Through Empowerment
One of the strategies we are using in vulnerable communities is targeting women engaged in sex work. Many of these women have worked in the sex trade—a common way for women and girls to earn a living—particularly in and around Mlolongo and Busia, and some are still in rehabilitation. Studies have shown that despite recognizing the risks of HIV and other dangers, many women remain in the sex trade due to poverty, limited education, and the lure of fast money.
Our organisation saw an opportunity to support women to leave prostitution by providing alternatives through income-generating programmes that restore dignity. An income not only brings independence but also enables women to provide for their children and families. We train women in the skills needed to start businesses and provide start-up materials or capital. Currently, participants are crafting school uniforms, taking clothing orders, serving clients in the beauty industry, and making jewellery.
At the same time, we recognise that the need for livelihoods extends beyond women in sex work. We are working with poor communities, families, and young people to create sustainable opportunities. Alongside supporting women to transition into dignified livelihoods, we are building community resilience to climate change through farming-based enterprises, healthier and adaptable communities, and renewable energy for sustainable development.
In Machakos, our demonstration farm at Kiotani trains the community especially young people, in agri-entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills to grow food, diversify income, and establish sustainable businesses. In Kilifi, our permaculture approach helps families and communities develop resilient food systems, enabling them to grow nutritious food, sell surplus produce, and adapt to climate shocks while securing household food security.
Across all these counties, our goal is to empower families and young people who might otherwise be forced into unsafe or harmful means of survival. We are offering pathways to economic independence, resilience, and dignity. With continued support, we aim to expand these initiatives, strengthen market linkages, and invest in value-addition enterprises that will ensure long-term sustainability and help break the cycle of poverty for generations to come.
