Women struggle for a better future amid economic hardships

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, millions of women continue to battle economic hardships that limit their potential. Women in informal sectors, particularly single mothers and those in low-income communities, face systemic barriers that make financial independence an uphill battle.

At just 25, Anne Agutu, a mother of one, looks back on her journey with pride. She has come a long way and refuses to let her circumstances define her.

Despite taking many detours in life — dropping out of school in Form Three due to financial struggles and family burdens — she has worked tirelessly, taking on all kinds of manual labour to survive and sustain herself.

Sharp, determined, and skilled, Agutu knows that her future lies in her hands. Wherever she goes, she gives her best, knowing that every effort she makes is a step closer to her dreams.

"One day, I want to own my own business — import clothes and shoes and sell them. So far, I have learned how to sew, and I’m saving up so I can advance my skills," she shares.

Agutu understands that without pushing herself, her children might not get the opportunities she never had — something she is determined to change.

"I may not have completed school, but my children will go up to university. I want a better life for them, and that’s why I’m working hard, learning the discipline of saving money, and putting some aside for the future," she says.

From washing clothes to working in restaurants and taking on any job she can find, Anne’s relentless drive stems from her deep desire to build a better future — not just for herself but for her child. She understands that every effort she makes today paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.

However, her biggest obstacle is a lack of capital.

Without financial resources, starting a stable business or expanding her income streams remains a distant dream. Like many women in informal labour, Agutu struggles to access affordable loans or funding opportunities that could help her break free from the cycle of survival.

"I want to encourage other women not to give up. Stay focused on your dreams and keep working towards them. One day, you will succeed," she says.

Samira Aziza, a mother of two, wakes up every day with a deep sense of purpose. Living with a disability that makes mobility difficult and painful, she still pushes through the challenges, driven by the love she has for her children and her determination to secure a better future for them.

"One of the things that keeps me going every day is my children. I want to see them prosper, and for that reason, I will do whatever it takes to earn a living for them," she says.

As a single mother, she understands that her children’s future depends solely on her resilience and determination. With no one to lean on, she has immersed herself in small-scale trade in Eastleigh, selling groceries to earn an honest living.

Other Topics To Read

• National
• International Women's Day
• National Gender and Equality Commission
• women equality
• Women struggle for a better future amid economic hardships
• Headlines

"While we are grateful for what we have, we constantly face challenges — harassment, financial struggles, and the endless demands from our children. If these issues could be addressed, we could create a more sustainable future for ourselves and our families," she explains.

Working for survival

For many women like Samira, this work is not about amassing wealth but about survival — ensuring their children are fed, educated, and given a chance at a brighter future.

"Most of us don’t do these jobs to become rich, but simply to provide for our families. All we ask for is understanding and support, so we can continue striving for a better future for our children," she says.

Stella Marice, a mother of four, grapples with the harsh realities of an unforgiving economy.

With limited opportunities and constant challenges, she finds herself in a relentless battle to secure a stable future for her children. The struggles are compounded by government policies and restrictions that make it even harder for small-scale traders like her to thrive.

Relying on her modest grocery business, Stella has watched with frustration as business slows down, making it increasingly difficult to provide for her children as their sole breadwinner.

"We face constant harassment — moved from one place to another — and many of us cannot afford the high fees demanded for operating spaces. As a result, we are stripped of our only means of livelihood," she laments.

Provide for her children

Despite the hardships, her greatest joy is being able to provide for her children, ensuring they receive an education and access to better opportunities.

"All I want is to see my children succeed, to give them a future far better than my own," she says with determination, holding onto hope that one day things will change for the better

As the world marks International Women’s Day, the stories of women like Agutu, Samira, and Stella shine a light of the strength of countless women who fight daily to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Despite economic hardships, societal barriers, and systemic challenges, these women refuse to be defined by their struggles. Instead, they continue to push forward, proving that when women rise, communities thrive.

Women across the world continue to carry the weight of economic inequality, yet they are the drivers of community development, family stability, and national economies. When women are financially empowered, societies thrive.

The National Gender and Equality Commission called on the government and stakeholders to take bold action against persistent gender inequalities.

While women’s representation in leadership had improved, with female governors rising from 6.3 per cent in 2017 to 14.9 per cent in 2022, systemic barriers — including patriarchal structures, harmful cultural norms, and lack of legislative support — continued to hinder progress.

A major setback was the failure to pass the two-thirds gender principle, leaving women underrepresented, with only 23 per cent in the National Assembly and 31 per cent in the Senate.

The gender commission urged policy reforms, investments, and cultural shifts to create equal opportunities for women and girls in leadership and economic empowerment.