Photo: Made by women’s hands, Kenya

Decades of violent conflict at home in Somalia have left many women now living in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee complex the sole providers for their families. The International Rescue Committee offers support to women in Dadaab that includes training in weaving, dressmaking, tailoring and other marketable skills to help them become financially independent.  After completing counseling and a three-month training course, each woman is equipped with skills and know-how that will help her earn money to pay for her children’s schooling and other things the family needs.

 

“Coming to Nairobi has given them a wider perspective,” says the IRC’s Ruth Kimaathi, who coaches the Somali women in turning their new skills into sustainable businesses. 

 

New entrepreneur Mumina Mohamed, energized by her first visit to Nairobi, agrees. “I’m so happy to be here because I have learned so much. This has given us ideas to diversify.”  

 

After making the rounds at the trade fair, Mumina and the other women are already thinking about new business ventures to start back in Dadaab. One of them? A bakery.