Economic Empowerment
Economic Empowerment: Strengthening Health Through Financial Independence
At the Centre for Peace and Nationhood (CPN), we understand that financial security is vital for the health and well-being of mothers and children. A mother who is economically empowered is better able to access nutritious food, attend clinic visits, and prepare for safe delivery.
Within the Care Groups, we have vibrant Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups provide young mothers with training in maternal and child health, positive behavior change, money management, savings, loans, and record keeping. They also offer a supportive network where women can share experiences and learn from one another.
Many members have started small businesses, increased their income, and gained financial independence. This means they no longer have to depend on guardians or caretakers, and they can make timely decisions that directly improve their own health and that of their children. Economic empowerment strengthens families, reduces vulnerability, and creates healthier, more resilient communities ensuring that every contribution has a direct and measurable impact on maternal and child health.
Impact of Self-Help Groups on Maternal and Child Health
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are formed from within the Care Groups themselves. This makes them a natural extension of our health work. Through our Care Group project in Mathare, we have established over 100 Self-Help Groups, bringing together 1,000 women. These groups combine maternal and child health education with training in saving, business start-ups, and income management. As mothers increase their earnings, they can afford nutritious food, attend clinic visits, and prepare for safe deliveries. This blend of health knowledge and economic empowerment is creating healthier children, safer births, stronger families and more self-reliant lives.
Self-Help Groups In training
In this training session, SHG leaders, who are also Care Group members, learn the main principles of Self-Help Groups. They are taught how to create by-laws, use local resources, keep records, start small businesses, plan their businesses, and market their products.
Once empowered, these leaders return to their groups to pass on the skills, with ongoing staff support during supervision visits. This approach builds strong community leadership and ensures sustainability.
Self-Help Group in Action
In this photo, Self-Help Group members, who are also part of our Care Groups, meet after a maternal and child health session. They come together to save money, give out loans, and repay previous loans. These meetings help mothers grow their businesses, manage income, and support their families. By combining health education with economic empowerment, the women can provide better nutrition, access health care, and prepare for safe deliveries.