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Economically Strengthening Women Works
The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is working with its local partner, Kenya Gatsby Trust, with funding from the World Bank and UNIFEM, to provide evidence that projects aimed at economically empowering women are making a difference.
Zainab Likama is a Kenyan woman who strings beads into wearable works of art. She also participates in a program that’s helping her build entrepreneurial skills and expanding her access to money-making markets. 
Zainab lives and owns a small shop in the corner of this building in the Kajiado District of Kenya, known for its Maasai beadwork. The women who traditionally produce these crafts live in remote areas and have little, if any, access to markets. 
Zainab leads the Mwereri women’s group, one of several participating in trainings by Kenya Gatsby Trust to improve their productivity as well as the quality and marketability of their beadwork. “We learned that we have to use our skills,” Zainab says. “When it comes to earning money there is nothing you won’t try; you will do everything possible.” 
As part of their training, the women travel to large handicraft markets in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and to exhibitions in neighboring countries. In both places they’re able to see which patterns and styles are selling. They then can tailor their work to the trends. “In Nairobi we learned that people other than Maasai are doing the work and making money at it,” Zainab says. “That makes us want to do better, always.” 
Zainab and the other women produce colorfully patterned bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other beaded items. Working together, they provide valuable support to each other. “If you know something, you show it to them,” Zainab says. “If they know something, they show it to you. You get ideas from others.” 
Zainab is eager to increase her production. She spends more time making beaded belts, jewelry and elaborately patterned shirts for special occasions. “I didn’t like beads at all,” she says with a laugh. “But when I started attending the training meetings I started doing it all the time. Even at 2 a.m., I am up stringing beads.” 
Through programs such as this, ICRW and its partners are gathering evidence on how best to strengthen women’s ability to change their economic situation. For women like Zainab, gaining the right skills can mean more income to support her family and a role in developing a flourishing small business sector in Kenya.
