Through the e-WINS Project, co-funded by the European Union in Somalia, a transformative activity was launched to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship through targeted capacity-building training. The project set out with a clear goal, to empower women with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses in their communities. In a context where many women face economic exclusion, this intervention provides a critical pathway toward financial independence and resilience.
Before the training, many of the participating women were engaged in small, informal income-generating activities with limited growth potential. A representative participant Halima, a 28-year-old mother of four from a peri-urban community struggled to sustain her small vegetable stall. With minimal knowledge of financial management, no formal business planning skills, and limited access to digital tools, her income remained unstable, making it difficult to support her family consistently.
The challenges faced by Halima and many other women entrepreneurs was deeply rooted in structural barriers. Limited access to education, financial services, and business networks restricted their ability to expand their enterprises. Additionally, low confidence in leadership and decision-making further hindered their participation in broader market systems. Without targeted support these women remained trapped in cycles of economic vulnerability.
The e-WINS project addressed these challenges through a comprehensive and practical approach. Participants were equipped with essential business development skills, including financial literacy, record-keeping, pricing strategies, and basic marketing techniques. The training also introduced digital competencies enabling women to explore new ways of promoting and managing their businesses. Leadership and confidence-building sessions further encouraged women to take active roles in decision-making and enterprise growth.
For Halima, the impact was immediate and tangible. She began applying her newly acquired skills by organizing her finances, tracking her daily sales, and diversifying her product range based on market demand. With improved confidence, she started engaging more actively with customers and suppliers, negotiating better prices and expanding her network. Within a few weeks, her business income improved, allowing her to better provide for her children and reinvest in her enterprise.
The broader impact of the e-WINS Project is evident in the growing participation of women in local markets and value chains. By strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, the project is enabling women to transition from economic vulnerability to active economic contributors. This shift not only improves household incomes but also contributes to job creation and local economic development, reinforcing the role of women as key drivers of inclusive growth.
The e-WINS Project demonstrates that targeted investment in women’s entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for sustainable development. By equipping women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed, the project is laying the foundation for long-term community resilience and prosperity. As these women continue to grow their businesses, they are not only transforming their own lives but also shaping a more inclusive and economically vibrant future for their communities.