Economic Empowerment

Sustainable Livelihoods

At BHESP, we believe in empowering vulnerable women by supporting them in starting sustainable businesses. These enterprises not only provide financial independence but also reduce vulnerability to risky situations.

However, our members face significant challenges in setting up businesses due to stigma, discrimination, legal barriers, and limited access to financial resources. Many struggle to register businesses, secure loans from banks, or benefit from government-funded programs meant for entrepreneurs.

To bridge this gap, BHESP offers hands-on training in entrepreneurship, business planning, proposal and report writing, leadership, and governance. With these skills, many of our members have successfully accessed funding from initiatives such as the Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, and Youth Enterprise Fund.

In a major step towards financial empowerment, our members have also launched Umbrella Kenya SACCO, a savings and credit cooperative that helps them pool resources and access financial support. Thanks to these efforts, many women are now running successful businesses and taking control of their futures.

Our goal remains clear: to create a supportive environment where women can build stable, independent livelihoods free from discrimination and financial hardship.

Table Banking: A Path to Financial Independence

At BHESP, we encourage and support sex workers and vulnerable women in embracing table banking as a simple and effective way to save money and access credit. This community-based system allows members to pool their savings and provide loans to one another, fostering financial growth and independence.

Each group sets aside specific days for meetings, where members contribute to the fund and discuss their financial activities. These meetings are well-documented, with records such as minutes and cash books tracking contributions, loans, and future plans.

Through table banking, many members have been able to start small businesses, invest in personal development, and access affordable loans without the barriers of traditional banking. The system not only strengthens financial security but also builds a sense of trust and support among members, empowering them to take control of their economic futures.

By making financial resources more accessible, BHESP is helping women create sustainable livelihoods and break free from economic hardships.

Bringing Hope to Young Girls at the Dumpsite

At BHESP, we witness the daily struggles of young girls living in dumpsites—extreme poverty, drug use, and unsafe conditions that put their lives in constant danger. Many of these girls have no support system, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and an uncertain future.

That’s why we launched the Dumpsite Intervention Program, a lifeline for these at-risk girls. We don’t just rescue them—we welcome them into a safe and caring environment where they can heal, rebuild their lives, and regain hope. Each girl is integrated into our peer mentorship network, where she is paired with a mentor who supports her through the journey of recovery from drug addiction and towards a healthier, more stable life. The mentorship provides emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that no girl feels alone in her struggles.

Beyond mentorship, we offer essential services such as reproductive health care, legal aid, and educational opportunities, helping these girls transition to a safer and more fulfilling future. Our goal is simple: to help them move from survival to stability, from hopelessness to a future filled with possibilities.

At BHESP, we believe that every girl deserves a chance to dream again—and we are committed to making that happen.