Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on stakeholders to support women entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods and drive economic growth.
Governor Achani said women once empowered can be ‘powerful catalysts’ for innovation, social change, and sustainable development.
Achani noted that women faced significant barriers such as limited access to financing, lack of mentorship, and socio-cultural constraints in entrepreneurship despite their potential.
The Governor says her administration is scaling up women empowerment initiatives for better economic outcomes and enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit.
She said since 2022 her administration has awarded tenders to over 30 registered women and youth companies aimed at uplifting their living standards in the region.
Achani advised the women in the county to support one another and create strong business networks to promote economic prosperity.
Achani was speaking on Sunday at Safari Beach Hotel in Diani while presiding over the certificate-awarding ceremony for 50 amazing women who successfully completed the ‘Empower Her’ business training programme.
The training was conducted by the Taji Langu Foundation, founded by TV journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi, with funding from the Kwale-based Australian mining firm Base Titanium.
She said the programme, sponsored by the Taji Langu Foundation in partnership with Base Titanium, is a shining example of the power of collaboration in driving economic empowerment in the communities.
“This initiative equips women with essential skills like business modelling, customer engagement, investor readiness, and bookkeeping to foster sustainable and profitable ventures,” said Achani.
She urged participants to utilise the training certificates from such events to make tangible progress, saying, “Let’s not take these certificates for granted—let’s make use of them.”
Achani has demonstrated her commitment to women empowerment initiatives that foster self-reliance.
The coastal county boss urged the women beneficiaries to leverage their skills, expertise, and passion to effect positive change in their communities.
Achani called for collaboration and partnership as key to unlocking new opportunities and creating an investment landscape that embraces innovation and nurtures entrepreneurship.
“Overall, the empowerment programme represents important steps towards empowering women entrepreneurs in Kwale, fostering economic growth, and promoting gender equality in businesses,” said Achani.
Taji Langu Foundation chairperson Mwanahamisi Hamadi underscored the importance of supporting women to stand on their feet economically.
She says Taji Langu Foundation seeks to enhance women businesses and foster their economic independence and urged women to prioritise integrity in their businesses.
The TV journalist urged women to embrace a business venture that could enhance their income and help support their families.
Mwanaharusi Khamis, Base Titanium’s Community Programmes Manager, says Base Titanium is committed to working with communities to improve living standards and create permanent positive changes.
“This empowerment initiative aims to boost the businesses of women entrepreneurs and encourage their active participation in various trades,” she said.
Mwanaharusi says a wide range of obstacles need to be addressed if women are to get involved in entrepreneurship, among them poor education, limited business skills, and lack of start-up capital.
By Hussein Abdullahi