The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) Global Innovation Summit, held at Boma Hotel in Nairobi, witnessed a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women through social entrepreneurship in Mombasa.
Iome254, in collaboration with the Red Cross, introduced the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute (WSEI) during the summit, addressing the pressing issues of unemployment, gender inequality, and limited opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in Kenya.
The decision to establish the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute in Mombasa stemmed from the region’s high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth, as well as the prevalent gender gap in business opportunities. While many entrepreneurs are concentrated in Nairobi, Mombasa has struggled to foster an inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
During the IFRC Global Innovation Summit, the team from Iome254 unveiled their vision for the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute. The project aims to provide a comprehensive six-month program to educate and empower women entrepreneurs, offering them the tools and support necessary to thrive in the world of social entrepreneurship.
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Key challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship were identified, including unequal access to finance, unpaid care responsibilities, restricted spaces, lack of ambition, and lower inclination towards risk-taking. The Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute intends to address these challenges by offering tailor-made training sessions on a weekly basis, peer support, coaching, access to an innovation hub, seed funding, and networking opportunities.
To ensure the effectiveness and impact of the program, a careful selection process was conducted to identify the 25 beneficiaries who would participate in the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute. Eligible candidates were required to be:
- Women business owners with positive social impact,
- Demonstrate growth potential,
- Possess a good command of English,
- Be able to commute to the IOME.001 location
- Commit to dedicating one day per week to the project.
The expected outputs of the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute project are impressive. Firstly, it aims to cultivate a strong ecosystem of social business supporters in Mombasa, fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of social entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the project aims to support 25 women business owners in transitioning from informal entrepreneurship to sustainable income generation, while empowering over 100 women in local communities with entrepreneurship skills and innovation. Furthermore, the project serves as a pilot program that, if successful, can be replicated beyond Mombasa, expanding its impact throughout Kenya.
The Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute’s program is estimated to run for approximately six months, equipping women with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive as social entrepreneurs.
With the support of Iome254 and the Red Cross, this initiative strives to empower women, bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship, and create a positive impact on communities in Mombasa and beyond.
As the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute takes its first steps towards empowering women and fostering sustainable social entrepreneurship, it marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality and economic empowerment in Kenya.
