Economic inequality continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing women and girls globally. While the statistics paint a sobering picture of wage gaps, unpaid care work, and limited access to resources, they often overshadow the lived experiences of economic inequality among women and girls. Systemic economic injustice is not merely a numbers game but a reality deeply entrenched in cultural, political, and social structures that limit women’s potential to thrive. Through our work in Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), we are actively dismantling these barriers and creating pathways to equality and justice.
The Roots of Systemic Economic Injustice
Systemic economic injustice against women and girls stems from patriarchal structures that dictate power dynamics in households, communities, and workplaces. Women often shoulder the burden of unpaid care work, are relegated to low-paying jobs, and are excluded from critical economic decision-making processes. In Kenya, these issues are exacerbated by limited access to land ownership, financial resources, and educational opportunities for women and girls.
We approach these challenges by addressing the root causes of economic inequality. We understand that tackling systemic barriers requires shifting societal norms, influencing policy, and empowering women to claim their rights.
Amplifying Women’s Voices in Economic Decision-Making
One of the key tenets of CRAWN Trust’s WEE initiatives is ensuring that women have a voice in economic decisions at all levels. Through training and capacity-building workshops, we equip women leaders with the skills and knowledge to advocate for gender-responsive budgeting and inclusive policies. For instance, our collaboration with women representatives and stakeholders on gender-responsive legislation ensures that women’s economic needs are prioritized in national and county budgets.
Supporting Grassroots Economic Initiatives
Economic empowerment starts at the grassroots level. CRAWN Trust has partnered with women’s groups in communities such as Kibra, Kamukunji, and South C and established different Kongamanos who are trained on using the readily available resources to increase the value of it and be a source of income. These initiatives not only improve food security but also provide women with an income-generating activity that leverages available resources.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Access to Resources
Access to financial resources remains a significant barrier to women’s economic empowerment. CRAWN Trust works with financial institutions and partners to advocate for policies that improve women’s access to credit and financial literacy training. By addressing these disparities, we enable women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and increase their financial independence.
Unpaid Care Work: A Hidden Economic Burden
Unpaid care work is one of the most overlooked aspects of economic inequality. Women and girls spend a disproportionate amount of time on household and caregiving responsibilities, leaving little room for education, employment, or entrepreneurship. CRAWN Trust’s advocacy efforts highlight the need to redistribute unpaid care work through policy changes and community awareness campaigns. By engaging men and boys in these conversations, we aim to shift cultural norms and foster a more equitable distribution of responsibilities.
Policy Advocacy and Legislative Reforms
Policy advocacy is central to our strategy for tackling systemic economic injustice. CRAWN Trust has been instrumental in shaping policies that promote gender equality in economic spheres. Through partnerships with stakeholders such as KEWOPA and other women’s rights organizations, we champion legislative reforms that protect women’s economic rights, such as equal pay, maternity benefits, and workplace safety.
Centering Lived Experiences
At the heart of our WEE programs are the lived experiences of women and girls who face economic inequality daily. By documenting their stories and amplifying their voices, we challenge stereotypes and provide a human face to the abstract concept of economic justice. These stories serve as powerful tools for advocacy, influencing policymakers and inspiring communities to embrace change.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Economic Justice
Tackling systemic economic injustice is a long-term commitment that requires collaboration, innovation, and resilience. At CRAWN Trust, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower women and girls by addressing the root causes of economic inequality. Through our multifaceted approach—encompassing grassroots initiatives, capacity building, policy advocacy, and cultural transformation—we envision a future where women and girls can fully participate in and benefit from economic opportunities.
As we continue this journey, we invite stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to join us in creating a world where economic justice is not a privilege but a right for all. Together, we can dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.