Community Empowerment
We work with local communities to increase their capacity to develop sustainable livelihood options that reduce poverty by improving the economic status of vulnerable women through income-generating programs and reducing the marginalization of women by enabling them to become self-reliant.
Village Community Banks (VICOBA)
ECIO helped to establish and strengthen 10 women-led self-sufficient savings and loan groups to empower them in supporting their families’ well-being. Among them, 10% are parents or guardians of children with disabilities. ECIO plans to grow by offering financial management
training and guidance on micro-savings and loans.
Expected outcomes.
- Achieving economic independence allows them to invest in what is important to them, education for their children, especially girls, to improve their family’s nutrition and overall well-being.
- Women become financially secure, contribute to their families well-being and enable access to important social services like education and healthcare
Shanga Project
The Maasai pastoralist communities have a rich tradition of handicrafts. The self-taught and informal nature of the skills used to create products hinders their competitiveness in the market.
ECIO Vision toward the Shanga projects:
- ECIO helps Maasai women turn their beading skills into a sustainable business, empowering them to support their families and educate their children.
- Enhancing the quality of cultural bead products through improved skills and knowledge for sustainable business growth and market connections.
