On 9 September 2026, a powerful celebration of women’s resilience, enterprise and leadership unfolded in Nairobi. The Forum for African Women Educationalists – Kenya Chapter was proud to join the Women Creating Wealth (WCW) 2026 Country Impact and Certification Forum, hosted by the Graça Machel Trust in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The event represented a significant milestone in the collective effort to create the right opportunities for women to thrive and to recognise the remarkable journeys of women entrepreneurs across Kenya.
The forum was far more than a certification ceremony. It was a vibrant testament to what could be achieved when women were given access to the tools, resources and networks they needed to succeed. Through business skills development, access to finance and markets, mentorship and coaching, the WCW programme had supported 500 active entrepreneurs, certified 400 women, and contributed to the creation of more than 5,150 jobs, nearly 70% of them for young people. These figures represented not merely statistics but lives transformed, families strengthened and communities enriched.
It was inspiring to hear directly from women entrepreneurs who had transformed and grown their businesses through access to knowledge, mentorship, networks and support. Their stories were diverse, yet they shared common threads: determination in the face of adversity, a willingness to learn and adapt, and a deep commitment to creating better futures for themselves and those around them. They spoke of the challenges they had overcome, the lessons they had learned and the successes they had achieved. And they spoke of the importance of programmes like WCW in providing the support and encouragement they needed to persevere.
The event also highlighted the critical role that access to finance and markets played in enabling women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. It underscored the importance of mentorship and coaching in building confidence, developing skills and navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship. And it demonstrated the power of networks in opening doors, creating opportunities and fostering collaboration.
As an organisation committed to advancing education and opportunities for women and girls, FAWE Kenya was delighted to be part of this important celebration. The event aligned closely with FAWE’s mission to empower women and girls to become agents of change in their communities and to contribute fully to the development of their nations. By supporting initiatives that advanced women’s economic empowerment, FAWE Kenya contributed to a broader vision of gender equality and sustainable development.
The certification of the women entrepreneurs was a moment of pride and recognition. It acknowledged the hard work, dedication and perseverance that each woman had demonstrated. It also signalled a new beginning, as these certified entrepreneurs would go on to grow their businesses, create more jobs and serve as role models for others.
FAWE Kenya extended its congratulations to all the women entrepreneurs certified at the forum. Their achievements were a source of inspiration and a reminder that when women were given the opportunity to thrive, they could achieve remarkable things. From strength to scale, the journey continued, and FAWE Kenya was honoured to be part of it.