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HFAW’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives: Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Gender Equity
The Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) launched its first economic empowerment initiative in recognition of a fundamental truth: gender equality cannot be realized without addressing the deeply rooted structural inequalities that limit women’s access to economic resources.
In the communities we serve, poverty and financial dependency have historically left women vulnerable to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with few viable alternatives. Economic disempowerment made it difficult for many to resist harmful practices, even when they understood the risks.
Years later, HFAW continues to champion socio-economic empowerment as a pillar of our work in Kajiado and Nyamira counties. Our approach equips women and girls—especially those from marginalized groups, including women living with disabilities—with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to lead self-reliant, dignified lives.
By integrating financial literacy, access to low-risk loans, mentorship, and civic engagement, we are fostering long-term, community-driven transformation.
1. Financial Literacy, Savings Schemes, and Mentorship
HFAW delivers tailored financial literacy training focused on budgeting, savings, debt management, entrepreneurship, and basic investment principles.
Special emphasis is placed on reaching Women and Girls with Disabilities (WGWDs), ensuring inclusive access to opportunity. Participants are mentored to design and launch personal income-generating activities, reducing dependence on GBV perpetrators and external aid.
Women are organized into community-based savings groups and introduced to table-banking models. These grassroots savings mechanisms allow members to:
- Pool resources
- Access low-risk microloans
- Reinvest in small businesses
- Create a cycle of empowerment and resilience
In 2024 alone: Over 80 WGWDs in Kajiado benefitted directly. More than 70% now actively manage businesses, reporting increased financial confidence, social inclusion, and local leadership participation.
2. Access to Low-Risk Loans and the Women’s Fund
Through the HFAW Women’s Fund, we provide low-risk loans to women-led groups, accompanied by mentorship and technical support. These funds help women:
- Start and expand small enterprises
- Gain marketable skills
- Achieve financial independence
Since 2014, HFAW has facilitated over 139 Kiva Zip loans in Nyamira, totaling $45,000 with a 94% repayment rate. Women used these to advocate against FGM and GBV through economic strength.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted progress. In response, HFAW relaunched the model in 2021 using a group-based lending approach, endorsed by local chiefs. This peer-supported model now boasts a 99% repayment rate.
Starting with just $400, the Women’s Fund grew to $30,000 by the end of 2024.
At least four women’s groups have since used the fund to invest in agriculture, trade, and services—fostering stability and agency.
Key Achievements
- Economic Resilience: Women from marginalized communities now operate thriving businesses.
- Leadership Development: Participants are increasingly engaged in policymaking and community leadership.
- Inclusive Programming: Outreach ensures that WGWDs are fully included in interventions.
- Sustainable Change: Integration of empowerment, education, and advocacy lays a foundation for long-term impact.
Call to Partnership:
With the continued support of our donors and partners, HFAW seeks to expand this proven model. Your investment can help scale these initiatives—accelerating the transition from vulnerability to empowerment and from harmful tradition to human dignity.
With the continued support of our donors and partners, HFAW seeks to expand this proven model. Your investment can help scale these initiatives—accelerating the transition from vulnerability to empowerment and from harmful tradition to human dignity.
