Women and Development (WODE) (Kenya)

Women and Development (WODE) was established in 2009 by Catherine Nafula and is located in Kimilili in Western Kenya on the Kenya-Uganda border. WODE is a small grass roots organization providing a six-month training program that teaches women and girls tailoring. Upon completion of the course, women are able to find employment or start their own businesses.

To be selected for the program women must be able to read and write. Single mothers, widows and orphan girls are given first priority.

As of December 2011, eight women and girls have completed their training. A new training session starts in January 2012. WODE hopes to impact at least 25 women and girls in 2012.

WODE is now funded through farming. They grow vegetables known locally as “Sukuma wiki” and “Kunde,” as well as cabbage and tomatoes that are sold in the local market. Students pay a small maintenance fee to pay for sewing machine parts.

WODE will use the $500 PeopleWeaver grant to purchase two more sewing machines (for a total of five) and materials for their program. This will allow them to recruit more women into their program.

FUTURE GOALS: to start a women’s school in 2013 known as Women and Development Tailoring Training School (WDTTS).

WODE Request:
Six sewing machines	$1,800
Donated	$650
Needed	$1,150