Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers transforms lives of over 90,000 young women in Kenya in a decade

Standard Chartered Bank, in partnership with global women’s rights organization Women Win and Kenyan youth empowerment group Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP), has marked a significant milestone as it celebrated a decade of transformative impact through the Goal Programme, under its flagship Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative.

The celebratory event, held at Standard Chartered’s Head Office in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders, programme partners, and beneficiaries to reflect on the programme’s impressive achievements. Since its inception in Kenya in 2014, the Goal Programme has empowered 90,679 adolescent girls and young women across the country with critical life skills in financial literacy, leadership, health education, and employability.

The Goal Programme was designed to address gender inequality and promote financial inclusion by equipping young women aged 12 to 24 with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become economic leaders in their families and communities. By blending sports, play-based learning, and life skills education, the programme created dynamic, safe spaces for young women to build resilience, challenge societal norms, and unlock their full potential.

Speaking during the event, Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya & Africa at Standard Chartered, emphasized the programme’s far-reaching impact.

“The Goal Programme reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering young women and driving financial inclusion. Through our partnerships with Women Win and Vijana Amani Pamoja, we’ve equipped thousands of young women with the tools they need to succeed—financial education, employability training, and entrepreneurship support. While this chapter closes, our broader Futuremakers initiatives will continue to create opportunities for young women to drive positive change in their lives and communities,” Kibe said.

Globally, the Goal Programme has reached over one million young women in 23 countries, reaffirming Standard Chartered’s dedication to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment on an international scale.

Virginia Munyua, Programme Lead at Women Win, highlighted the transformative power of the initiative, noting how it leveraged sports to foster leadership and self-confidence among participants.

“Women Win is proud to have partnered in this initiative that has used the power of sport to educate and empower young women. Creating safe spaces for girls to build leadership skills and challenge societal norms has been a key driver of the programme’s success,” Munyua stated.

Similarly, Enouce Ndeche, CEO of Vijana Amani Pamoja, celebrated the programme’s role in fostering not just individual growth but also broader societal change.

“The Goal Programme has not only provided safe spaces for young women to grow but has also sparked positive change within families and communities. We are proud to be part of a partnership that advances the rights of adolescent girls, creating a future where they can thrive without limitations,” Ndeche said.

While the Goal Programme concludes its operations in Kenya, Standard Chartered remains steadfast in its commitment to youth empowerment through the broader Futuremakers initiative. The Bank plans to continue supporting programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship, and financial education, with a particular emphasis on reaching young women.

By equipping the next generation with essential skills and opportunities, Standard Chartered aims to foster an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future for all. The success of the Goal Programme stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a relentless focus on gender equity.

Futuremakers will remain critical in shaping empowered, confident young leaders ready to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond