Building Economic Power

We support women and youth through beadwork, small-scale farming, and business training so they can turn their skills into income, take control of their futures, and strengthen their families and communities. At The Soina Foundation, we create spaces where women and young people can build their own economic power and rewrite that narrative.

In my community, livestock is the main source of livelihood—but culturally, women are rarely seen as custodians of wealth, even though they are the ones holding homes together. Girls and women are often excluded from income-generating activities and decision-making.

Our Approach

Beadwork for Women & Girls
We support traditional beadwork as a source of income for women and girls since this is one of the popular ways our women and girls tell and protect our culture. We are keen on making this an economic opportunity for them, linking them to local and external markets while preserving culture.

Vegetable Farming & School Gardens
We introduce small-scale farming projects to grow food, vegetables, and Indigenous foods that are drought resistant and good for nutrition, e.g., Sukuma Wiki (Kales), cassava, pumpkins, cereals like millet, cassava, black nightshade, sweet potatoes, arrowroots, and more. These not only support food security but also provide income to women’s groups and youth-led collectives. In schools, kitchen gardens support feeding programs and surplus is sold to sustain school needs.

Women & Youth Group Support
We work with organized community groups to build their skills in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and financial literacy—ensuring long-term impact and independence.

🤝 Linking to Markets & Opportunities
Through partnerships, we help connect local producers to broader markets, buyers, and platforms that amplify their visibility and income potential.