The Keiyo Women Trust (KWT) is an indigenous women-led organization that champions the rights of women and girls in the Kerio Valley Triangle of Kenya. The organization was founded to support indigenous women and adolescent girls who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. KWT offers a range of programs and services, including academic support, scholarships, digital skills programs, mentoring, and professional development. KWT also offers a life-skills workshop to equip girls with practical knowledge in areas such as financial literacy, communication, and critical thinking. Since its founding, KWT has supported more than 5,000 women and girls.
Digital literacy is a crucial skill, but many adolescent girls do not have the opportunity to learn digital skills and knowledge. Lack of access to digital technologies leaves girls unable to access essential information and participate in careers which require these skills. As a result, women are underrepresented in high-growth fields and are excluded from promising job opportunities to improve their livelihoods. KWT aims to address this problem through its RuralGEMS (Girls Empowered in Modern Skills) project.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support the RuralGEMS project, which provides basic computer skills training, such as internet and social media usage, as well as more advanced skills like digital banking and using software tools. The project will teach girls about online safety, accessing educational resources, and using technology for professional development. RuralGEMS will reach approximately 500 adolescent girls through its basic skills training program and 150 adolescent girls in the advanced skills program.
As an end goal, KWT hopes to create a future in which girls can unlock their full potential and succeed in the digital age. Girls will be able to put these skills to use in educational and professional settings, enabling them to expand their academic and career opportunities. To learn more about Keiyo Women Trust, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
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