WOMEN BUSINESS HUB -ADVOCACY ALLIANCE CONSORTIUM

In the villages of Western Kenya , women are rewriting their future through Village Savings and Loan Schemes . What began as small groups pooling coins in lockable boxes has grown into powerful engines of change. These schemes, strengthened by Domestic Resource Mobilization , are helping women move beyond survival into thriving livelihoods. Mary, a farmer from Vihiga , recalls how she once depended on food aid during drought seasons. Today, she is part of a savings group that allows her to borrow small loans to buy drought-resistant seeds . With better harvests, she not only feeds her family but also sells surplus maize in the local market. “I no longer wait for handouts,” she says proudly. “I trade, I earn, and I save.” Inua Village SACCO : Anchoring Sustainable Finance Behind these stories is Inua Village SACCO , which has become a backbone for women-led savings groups. By linking informal VSLs to formal cooperative structures, the SACCO is creating a sustainable financial ecosys...

Intergenerational dialogue among women is a dynamic and transformative approach that bridges the gap between generations. It creates safe spaces where younger women learn from the lived experiences of older women, while older women gain fresh perspectives from the aspirations and energy of the younger generation. This exchange is not only preparing young women for leadership but also equipping older women to challenge myths and misconceptions that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV). Preparing Younger Women for Leadership Mentorship and role modelling : Older women share practical lessons from their leadership journeys, offering guidance that helps younger women navigate barriers in governance, business, and community service. Confidence and resilience : Dialogue instils courage, enabling younger women to step into decision-making spaces with conviction. Access to networks : Intergenerational platforms connect young women to establis...

Across Counties in The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) and similar contexts, women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain at the margins of financial systems, constrained by limited access to credit, weak saving culture, and low financial literacy . Yet, these groups represent the backbone of community resilience and innovation. Unlocking their potential requires a deliberate shift: mobilizing domestic resources to strengthen inclusive financial systems. Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) is not simply about raising funds locally; it is about building ownership, sustainability, and resilience. By channeling community savings, cooperative contributions, and local taxes into inclusive financial products and services, DRM creates pathways for marginalized groups to thrive. ·        Local savings mobilization empowers women, youth, and PWDs to access affordable credit, reducing dependency on external aid and predatory lenders. ·  ...