Sunlight, a prominent Unilever brand, launched an ambitious financial literacy empowerment program named “Shika More Na Sunlight,” aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with essential skills to enhance their business growth and sustainability. This initiative seeks to address the financial challenges faced by women, particularly in vibrant commercial hubs like Gikomba Market.
In Kenya, women have long been integral to the economy, with many managing businesses ranging from small stalls to large enterprises. However, these women often encounter barriers such as limited access to financial resources and restrictive cultural practices. To address these challenges, Sunlight has introduced this program to break down these barriers and create new opportunities for women.
Alison Kariuki, Head of Legal for East & West Africa at Unilever, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting women. “Our commitment to empowering women is long-standing. We’ve partnered with various organizations to uplift women, providing tools and resources to transform their lives.
This year, we are proud to introduce a financial independence program for Kenyan women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. We believe that when a woman is empowered, she does not rise alone. She lifts her family, community, and, ultimately, the nation,” Kariuki stated.
Kariuki also highlighted that the selection of Gikomba Market as the launch venue was symbolic. The market is a bustling center of commerce predominantly driven by women, yet it is also a place where the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs are most evident. “This campaign is designed to celebrate the resilient women of Gikomba Market and spotlight their potential as agents of economic transformation,” she added.
The program aims to bridge the financial illiteracy gap by offering practical skills through tailored courses for small, medium, and large-scale business owners. Each participant will gain insights specific to their business size and needs, ensuring they are well-equipped to overcome financial obstacles and drive their enterprises forward.
Unilever’s initiative underscores its broader commitment to investing not just in women, but in Kenya’s future, acknowledging that empowering women entrepreneurs contributes significantly to the country’s overall economic progress.