POWER TO OUR WOMEN

Unleashing the Potential of Women in Africa: Why We Must Invest in Their Economic Empowerment

We’ve just concluded celebrating International Workers’ Day (Labour Day) on 1st of May in many African countries and around the globe. And as much as the world has made remarkable strides; there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure an equal and fair society in terms of economic empowerment in every part of the world.

For instance, in many parts of Africa, women bear the heaviest burden of social and economic inequality. Young women feel the sting of unemployment even more sharply than young men.?

The AfDB found that in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and all of those in North Africa, it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for women, even if they have equivalent skills and experience.?

“Young people [in Africa] find work, but not in places that pay good wages, develop skills or provide a measure of job security,”- The Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.?

New technologies provide unique opportunities to engage with women, who have been historically marginalized, to inform more effective strategies for better protection, prevention and greater participation.?

“Digital technologies can contribute to women’s economic and social inclusion, which requires sustained commitment to foster inclusive digital engagement. We must also prioritize initiatives that support women’s digital skills”– Ms. Tetteh, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa

At Kushanda, we stress that investing in women and girls has a multiplier effect on productivity, efficiency and sustained economic growth. Women in Africa make up 58% of the continent’s self-employed population.

Focusing on women’s economic participation and their ownership and control over productive assets speeds up development. It helps overcome poverty and reduces inequalities and improves children’s nutrition, health, and school attendance.?

Women usually invest a higher proportion of their earnings in their families and communities than men. A study in Brazil showed that the likelihood of a child’s survival increased by 20% when the mother controlled household income.

“Investing in the potential of the world’s women and girls is one of the surest ways to achieve global economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for women — and men — the world over” – Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of State, International Women’s Day 2010.

Many women face cultural and societal barriers to employment. For educated women in Africa, employment offers a way to break out of poverty and achieve economic independence.

Kushanda as Part of the Solution

Kushanda has developed a database of people, mainly women; with skills, talent and a hunger for work.?

We offer our people training, support, management, and quality assurance and a space to belong.

Most of our staff are skilled, talented, hard-working African women who will help grow your business. Each dollar earned impacts the person, their family, and the wider community.

When you invest in a Kushanda VA, you are creating win-win situations through economic empowerment. Your investment will transform the life of your VA and their family.?

Kushanda exists to empower skilled Africans to break out of poverty by providing quality sustainable services to the world.

Furthermore, Kushanda looks after our family:

• Our workers access group support, social capital, and shared resources
• We build skills and confidence through education and training
• Educated women reinvest 90% of their income in their family

Work with Kushanda today to make a real impact on poverty and dignity in Africa.

If you would like to find out more, we would love to chat in person or via email at [email protected] ?or call us on +44 20 8638 6874