MOMBASA’S TUNAWEZA GROUP LED BY CHARITY CHAHASI EMPOWERS WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

Small and medium-sized businesses are important forces behind job creation and local economic growth. They offer opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable community members, helping build stronger and more inclusive societies.

One inspiring example comes from Mombasa, where the Tunaweza PWD Group, founded by Charity Chahasi, empowers women with disabilities to achieve economic independence. “Women with disabilities face a lot of violence, gender-based violence, rape, family discrimination, even job discrimination. So I decided to start a group where by women with disabilities can be able to do something so that we can sell and have something for our lives,” said Charity.

The group brings together women with diverse skills who create various products for sale. “We make a variety of products, and this product ranges from jewellery, reusable sanitary pads, peanut butter, bags and plastic flowers,” Charity says.

Mobile money services have become essential to their daily business operations. Charity shared how these tools have transformed their work.

“M-PESA has empowered our business because we use Pochi la Biashara whenever people pay us we are able to save. We also use Fuliza when we don’t have enough money,” said Charity.

Initiatives like the Tunaweza Group highlight how small enterprises drive sustainable growth and community development.