In partnership with MEDA, AWEIK is implementing the M-SAWA project which aims at enhancing market opportunities for women (grassroots and SMEs) in the extractives sector towards economically raising their status, enhance linkages and partnerships with industry for women entrepreneurs and professionals to achieve financial sustainability through various initiatives and strengthen the association by equipping the association with adequate resources to meet its mandate of supporting grassroots women to business entry and licensing.
Objectives of the Project:
- To enhance market opportunities for women (grassroots and SME’s) in the extractives towards
Economically raising their status.
- To enhance linkages and partnerships with industry for women entrepreneurs and professionals to achieve financial sustainability through various initiatives.
- Strengthen the association by equipping the association with adequate resources to meet its
The mandate of supporting grassroots women to business entry and licensing.
- To promote sustainable environmental practices among AWEIK women enterprises involved in the extractive and energy sectors in the targeted counties of Turkana and Taita Taveta.
Achievements
- Establishment of AWEIK chapters in Taita Taveta and Turkana Counties
- Financial literacy Training in Taita Taveta and Turkana Counties
- Conducted training on gender, environment, health, and safety, and EHS compliant mechanisms for the staff and the communities in Taita Taveta County.
- Designing, development, and publishing of monthly newsletters for information sharing.
- Held Kenya Gem and Jewellery Fair 2019 for SMEs in the extractive industry (EI) which was a platform to showcase, market, and sell their products to potential buyers and customers.
- Created a database through mapping of SE and SME that act as a platform to link potential buyers and sellers.
- Provide information on business registration, legal advice, trade laws, and market trends in the SEs and SMEs.
- Conducted a comprehensive market study on the constraints facing women-owned SE’s and SMEs in the extractive industry on the availability of accessing suitable markets in Kenya.