CFK Africa, an international nonprofit empowering youth across 26 informal settlements in East Africa, has secured a grant from the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation to launch its new Women at Work program.
The initiative focuses on equipping young women in Kenyan slums with vocational training in traditionally male-dominated trades, aiming to challenge gender stereotypes and boost long-term economic security.
The program is set to launch in early 2026 across five Kenyan slums which will support 80 young women including teenage mothers in learning skills such as plumbing, electrical work, and auto mechanics.
Photo Credits: CFK Africa An international nonprofit organization working with youth across 26 informal settlements Across East Africa
Participants will receive hands-on training while being mentored by experienced Master Craftswomen, skilled professionals in their fields.
The initiative also includes job placement assistance to help women secure employment in these higher-paying sectors, which have historically been inaccessible to girls and young women due to stigma and societal barriers.
“The best way to learn a job is by doing it,” said CFK Africa Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Okoro.
Pairing these young women with experienced women mentors in their fields, can build the next generation of skilled women workers.
Okoro emphasized the value of practical experience, adding: “When it comes to vocational skills, there is no better teacher than an experienced worker and no better education than a job. Through hands-on training, this new program aims to empower young women by creating opportunities for long-term economic security.”
Women at Work expands on the success of CFK Africa’s TechCraft program, launched last year with support from the GitLab Foundation.
TechCraft has already helped young people in Kibera and other slums gain employable skills in areas like mechanics, electrical work, and information technology, increasing their earning potential through apprenticeships and job connections.
The Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation is backing the effort through its International Initiative, which prioritizes advancing opportunity, equity, and well-being for women and girls in developing countries.
The foundation supports programs that help participants overcome hardship, realize their full potential, and strengthen their families and communities.
Founded in 2001, CFK Africa operates with a participatory, community-led approach, integrating health services, education, and economic empowerment to serve tens of thousands of residents in informal settlements. As the organization approaches its 25th anniversary, it continues to innovate in youth development and public health across East Africa.
For more information on the Women at Work program, visit the CFK Africa website.
