West Pokot — A mentorship and empowerment initiative has uplifted 700 women in West Pokot through financial literacy, technical skills, and entrepreneurial training under a program spearheaded by HER Lab.
The forum, themed "The 8 Qualities of a Wealthy Woman," was inspired by Suze Orman's bestselling book and localized for rural communities.
It brought together Kenyan entrepreneurs and global mentors for a session hosted at HER Lab in Morpus.
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Business leaders Flora Mutahi and Wandia Gichuru, alongside Global Give Back Circle founder Linda Lockhart, led the session, focusing on wealth as a mindset rooted in courage, support systems, and practical skills.
"This is not just a workshop. It's a mind shift," said Mutahi. "Wealth is not only about the money in your pocket, but also your belief system and support network."
HER Lab is an initiative of the Global Give Back Circle, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented locally by Perur Rays of Hope.
The program offers training in plumbing, dressmaking, catering, and digital literacy, alongside life skills and entrepreneurship coaching.
Since 2024, HER Lab has also launched a financial freedom program anchored by a SACCO that now serves over 700 women, most of whom were previously unbanked.
"Even saving Ksh200 a week has changed lives," said Gichuru. "Some women are now raising poultry, others are investing in livestock--they're creating opportunity for themselves and others."
One of the beneficiaries, a 19-year-old from Turkana, shared how the program gave her purpose and hope after years of idleness.
"I come from a family of 11 with no support. I was just loitering. Now, I've found direction," she said.
Originally designed for 150 girls from West Pokot, Baringo, and Turkana, HER Lab is expanding to Samburu and Kajiado, with facilities including a tech hub, artisan studios, and dormitories to support holistic learning.
"We're not just talking about survival," said Mutahi. "We're talking about building businesses and becoming employers."
