Empowering Women and Transforming Futures in Kenya

February 26, 2025

Zakat Foundation of America is proud to partner with RefuSHE, a Nairobi, Kenya-based non-profit that empowers refugee women by providing education, skills training, and essential support services to promote financial independence and vital life skills. Their programs focus on gender equality, self-advocacy, and leadership, helping refugees rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Through hands-on workshops, the Zakat Foundation of America is helping 216 women develop skills that enhance their income-generation capabilities. In particular, the fashion and design courses offered equip participants with tailoring skills, enabling them to create small-scale stitching businesses. As a result, 50% of graduates have invested in sewing machines, illustrating their commitment to growing their new businesses and building a sustainable future.

In addition to providing 25 life skills sessions, this partnership ensures that women have the support they need to attend classes with transport reimbursement and meal facilitation. Children of participants also benefit from early childhood development programs, promoting healthy growth and learning. 

A key component of this program is addressing gender-based violence (GBV). With the support of the Zakat Foundation of America, RefuSHE has conducted awareness sessions, educating 1,810 men and women to advocate for their rights and shift cultural attitudes. These efforts have inspired a notable change in mindset, with 80% of participants eager to discuss GBV prevention with their partners.

Moreover, through Women Ambassador Groups (WAGs), the Zakat Foundation of America helps women access financial assistance, strengthen their communities, and create a foundation for long-term stability. The Zakat Foundation of America and RefuSHE are helping women overcome adversity, foster independence, and take control of their futures, ensuring they no longer just survive but thrive.

The Zakat Foundation of America has been a global leader in advocating for and empowering women, and earlier this year, Executive Director and Founder Mr. Khalil Demir presented the organization’s women’s empowerment initiatives to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) during the Regular Session of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations in New York. During this session, Zakat Foundation of America was granted special consultative status by UN ECOSOC, a key UN body that promotes international cooperation and development across 15 specialized agencies.