The Context

St. Martin Community-Based Organization (CBO) operates across six counties in western Kenya: Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, and Nyamira. The region faces significant challenges, including high poverty levels with over 60% of the population living below the poverty line. Gender inequality, influenced by traditional practices, limits women’s participation in economic activities.

The Program: “Women Rising” Initiative

St. Martin CBO runs a comprehensive Women’s Economic Empowerment Program called Women Rising, which addresses systemic barriers to women’s economic participation through three main components:

1. Microfinance and Savings Programs – “Tusaidiane” (Let’s Help Each Other)

• 2,340 active members in savings groups

• A microcredit facility with a 97% repayment rate

• Financial literacy training reaching over 4,500 women

• Insurance products protecting women’s investments

2. Skills Development and Entrepreneurship
Training programs in:

• Soap making

• Beekeeping

• Poultry farming

• Food processing

• Business development services (market research, business plan development)

• Trade fairs and exhibitions promoting women’s enterprises

• Mentorship programs pairing successful businesswomen with emerging entrepreneurs

3. Agricultural Empowerment

• Climate-smart agriculture training for over 3,200 women farmers

• Distribution of improved seeds and farming inputs

• Installation of irrigation systems benefiting 45 women’s cooperatives

• Post-harvest handling and value addition training

Documented Impact (from the organization’s profile)

Case Study: Mary Awino from Migori County

According to St. Martin CBO’s official profile, Mary Awino was a subsistence farmer who, through the organization’s agricultural empowerment program, transformed her life. She established a vegetable greenhouse and poultry farm and now generates $300 monthly income while employing three other women.

Recognition

St. Martin CBO has received the 2021 UN Women Recognition for Women’s Economic Empowerment Programming.

Strategic Context

The organization notes that 78% of its funding comes from external sources, making it susceptible to donor dependency. As part of its 2026-2030 strategic direction, St. Martin CBO is implementing a diversified funding portfolio targeting increased government funding, corporate social responsibility partnerships, foundation grants, and social enterprise revenue generation.

Core Values Guiding This Work

All interventions are grounded in:

• Faith-Centred Approach: Christian principles of love, hope, and service, while respecting diverse religious backgrounds

• Community Participation: Beneficiaries actively participate rather than being passive recipients

• Inclusivity and Equity: Equal access to opportunities regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status

• Sustainability: Programs designed to create lasting impact beyond direct intervention

Conclusion

As stated in the organization’s profile: “Women who were once economically dependent have become community leaders and business owners, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring others.”