In Kenya, informal settlements are not legally recognized and do not offer government services like schools, medical care or running water.  Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kibera is the second largest informal settlement in the world, with an estimated population of over 250,000 people.  Like other slums, Kibera is characterized by overcrowded dwellings; high unemployment rates; poor environmental conditions; limited water and electricity supplies; poor sanitation; and lack of access to health facilities. Women and girls find it especially difficult to secure formal employment due to lower education levels, lack of vocational skills, and social norms that expect women to stay at home.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Garden of Hope Foundation to equip young women in Kibera with resources to start small businesses as a pathway out of poverty.  Through our partnership, 110 women  (those considered most disadvantaged in Kibera) graduated from the program with new vocational skills alongside entrepreneurship and leadership training. Among the participants, 40 received small loans, and 100% of these women were successfully able to start small businesses like vegetable stands, hair salons, and daycare centers.  Another 35 women secured formal employment, and the others are in process of applying.  Before enrolling, the women earned on average $35 per month: hardly enough to support their families.  Now – within just a few months of completing the program – the women are earning on average $65 (those who started businesses) to $83 (those in formal employment) a month!

Meet Amina

Amina has always dreamed of owning a bakery.  After escaping a difficult situation, she found herself in Kibera.  It was a fresh start for Amina and her 2 children, but the situation in the slum was challenging and she wasn’t able to find work.

Finally, an opportunity to not only receive job training but also pursue her dream of opening a bakery arrived!  Amina joined the Garden of Hope’s entrepreneurship program and received the necessary training and a $40 micro-grant for start-up costs.  She used the funds to purchase baking equipment and ingredients.  With the income she is now earning, Amina was able to enroll her children in school, pay for her rent, and acquire medical coverage.

Her business not only improved her family’s financial situation but also created employment opportunities for other women in the community. Amina now employs 6 additional women in Kibera!