Nancy* was forced to go through the horror of female genital mutilation when she was only twelve years old. She got married the next day, and by the time she was just 20, she had ten children. Nancy never had the opportunity to go to school or make choices about her future. At that time, it seemed to her that all hope was lost. 

In 2017, Teamwork City of Hope launched the Sewing Empowers Women program with the vision of empowering women with skills that would help them grow as individuals and provide for themselves and their families. Women are given the skills in using sewing machines and now earn income from sewing projects. The empowerment program is about more than just learning sewing skills, though- it is about giving these women hope, confidence, and the ability to earn a living. 

Today, Nancy is an excellent seamstress with business and leadership skills that help her care for her family. She can earn an income and works for City of Hope to make uniforms for students in our primary and secondary schools.

Most of us have grown up in a country filled with opportunities to grow, learn new skills, and provide for ourselves.

Sadly, this is not the reality for many people – and especially women – around the world. In East Africa, many women face violence, fear, and a lack of opportunities every day. Many do not have the chance to get an education, have access to healthcare, or make choices about their future. 

Education is a big emphasis at City of Hope, but not everyone in our community gets to go to school. That is why our empowerment program exists for women. “When you help women, you know you are helping the whole family,” says Regina Chacha, President and Co-founder of Teamwork City of Hope. Nancy’s story is just one example of how our work changes women’s lives in Tanzania and Kenya.

*name changed for privacy reasons

Would you partner with us to help empower these extraordinary young women?