By Nuru Salim
The Kwale Women Empowerment Forum, held at Safari Beach Hotel in Diani, focused on promoting the economic independence of women in the community.
Organized by the Taji Langu Foundation in partnership with local stakeholders, the forum brought together women entrepreneurs, government officials and civil society organizations to celebrate progress in women’s empowerment and discuss strategies for overcoming barriers to economic participation.
Funded by Base Titanium mining company, the event’s theme, “Sustaining Women’s Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” highlighted the importance of women embracing business networks and innovation to boost their economic potential.
Key speakers at the forum shared insights on business development, access to financial resources, and strategies for overcoming challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
Mwanahamisi Hamadi, founder of the Taji Langu Foundation, addressed the attendees, encouraging them to take full advantage of the training opportunities offered.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to grow, become better, and stronger entrepreneurs. Let’s build each other up,” she said, urging women to apply the skills learned to improve their businesses.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani also spoke at the forum, emphasizing the significance of formalizing businesses to access financial opportunities, including government tenders.
She revealed that 30 women and youth-led businesses had secured tenders from her administration in the last financial year.
“Registering your business opens doors to many opportunities, including securing government tenders and accessing financial support,” she said, encouraging women to formalize their enterprises.
Governor Achani further highlighted the importance of innovation and resilience in business. She urged women not to replicate existing business ideas but to create original and unique solutions.
“Don’t be afraid of criticism, use it to fuel your determination,” she advised.
She also called for women to support one another on their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing solidarity as a key to success.
The forum addressed critical challenges women face in business, such as self-doubt, limited access to capital and societal pressure.
Experts urged participants to shift their mindsets, build confidence, and overcome the inferiority complex that often prevents women from fully engaging in business.
The event aimed to break the cycle of self-limiting beliefs and inspire women to believe in their potential.
A notable highlight of the event was the issuance of certificates to women who had completed vocational training in various fields including catering, carpentry, and hardware management.
These certificates marked a significant step toward equipping women with practical skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial abilities.
Among the graduates was Amina Dago, a successful hardware business manager, who expressed her gratitude, saying, “The skills I’ve gained have not only improved my business but also built my confidence.”
Another graduate, Lekisolish Meitakini, a tuk-tuk driver, shared how the initiative empowered her to expand her business.
“This training has opened my eyes to new opportunities and helped me grow my tuk-tuk business,” she said, highlighting the diverse ways in which women are building their enterprises.
Mwanahamisi Hamadi encouraged women to continue growing their businesses and to take pride in their accomplishments.
She emphasized the enduring power of collaboration and the lasting impact of empowering women entrepreneurs in Kwale County.
The success of the forum underscored the role of partnerships in driving women’s empowerment. Base Titanium’s significant support for the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting sustainable development and economic independence for women in the region.
