In a remarkable endeavor to uplift the lives of women residing in urban informal settlements and rural areas of Kenya, the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) made a significant stride by actively participating in a momentous meeting. This gathering aimed to address the trade barriers that women encounter in both local and international trade. Hosted by Trade Mark Kenya, Feed The Future, Self Help Africa, Kenya Export Promotion and Brand Agency, the meeting served as a platform for key stakeholders to collaborate and devise strategies to empower women in the agricultural sector.
The valuable insights gained from this crucial meeting will be disseminated among our women members, encouraging them to expand their businesses locally while setting their sights on international markets. With the assistance of partnering organizations, AWAK strives to equip women with the necessary knowledge to identify factors that can enhance the performance of their agricultural economic activities. These factors include financing opportunities, good management practices, as well as various local and international certifications such as HACCP, KEBS, KS 1758, and others that hinder expansion.
By actively engaging in discussions, the participants at the meeting comprised a diverse group of individuals, including government dignitaries from Kenyan organizations like KEPHIS, KEBS, and KEBROBA. Successful local women entrepreneurs and exporters from various companies, along with officials from the host organizations, united in their efforts to brainstorm innovative ways of enhancing the business prospects of youth and women.
The collaboration among these stakeholders highlights a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in the agricultural industry. By breaking down the barriers that hinder their progress, AWAK, along with their partners, is ensuring that women are well-prepared to overcome challenges in sourcing factors that contribute to the growth and success of their agricultural ventures.
With a renewed focus on financing options, good management practices, and both local and international certifications, AWAK aims to bolster the resilience and competitiveness of women-owned agricultural businesses. By bridging the knowledge gap and providing guidance on factors of production, the association envisions a future where women entrepreneurs can flourish and contribute significantly to Kenya’s agricultural sector.
As AWAK continues its mission to empower women in agriculture, it reaffirms its commitment to gather knowledge and collaborate with stakeholders from various sectors. By creating a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange, AWAK endeavors to propel women towards sustainable economic independence, transforming their lives, and fostering a prosperous future for generations to come.
In conclusion, AWAK’s participation in this vital meeting signifies a crucial step towards breaking trade barriers and promoting the economic empowerment of women in Kenyan agriculture. With the unwavering support of partnering organizations and stakeholders, AWAK strives to equip women with the necessary tools and knowledge to overcome challenges, expand their businesses, and tap into the vast potential of both local and international markets. Together, they pave the way for a future where women thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and catalysts of change in the agricultural landscape of Kenya.
